McCaw declared fit for Test opener

All Blacks forward Richie McCaw has been declared fully fit for tomorrow’s first Test match against the Lions in Christchurch.

The star flanker suffered a spasm in his lower back earlier this week, prompting coach Graham Henry to summon Marty Holah from the Junior All Blacks’ tour of Australia as a precaution.

But McCaw has allayed any fears about his fitness, and will pack down as planned at Jade Stadium tomorrow alongside back-row colleagues Jerry Collins and Rodney So’oialo.

“Richie is fine. He has progressed all week, and he is in great nick,” said Henry. “He was always going to be okay.”

Canterbury ace McCaw, who has won 27 caps and skippered the All Blacks against Wales last year, is rated a major threat to the Lions’ Test series hopes.