Injured All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw is unlikely to play in next week's Test against Samoa but should be fit for the Tri-Nations decider against Australia in a fortnight, coach Graham Henry said today.
Henry said McCaw was "still tender" after he bruised his ribs in the 19-0 win against South Africa in Cape Town on August 16 and was not likely to play in Wednesday's Test in New Plymouth.
"He is keen to play but at the moment he's 50-50 and we won't risk him if he isn't right," Henry told Wellington's Dominion Post newspaper.
Already out of the Samoa Test are fullback Leon MacDonald, who has suffered a series of concussions and halfback Andy Ellis, whose own rib injury means Piri Weepu will remain with the All Blacks.
Samoa face the All Blacks with a rookie team because the European clubs have not released their players for the match.
Although Samoa are expected to take a pummeling by the All Blacks, Henry believes the game will be worthwhile.
"The Test is an important part of our preparation for the Tri-Nations final in Brisbane, but we won't risk anybody who is questionable," he said.
New Zealand are due to play Australia on September 13.
