19 Feb 2014

McCaw keen to play on - for now

6:52 pm on 19 February 2014

The All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says he has no plans to retire anytime soon, after telling media on Tuesday he will probably retire after the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

McCaw hinted that he's unlikely to continue his international career after the 2015 World Cup - meaning the next Super Rugby season would be his last.

But speaking to reporters at Crusaders training, ahead of Friday's season opener against the champion Chiefs, McCaw had a different take on things.

The 33-year-old says he feels as good as he did five years ago now and as long as there's no major injuries he can't see any reason not to play on.

McCaw will lead the Crusaders from openside flanker against the Chiefs, fellow All Black flanker Matt Todd is on the bench.

Tyler Blyendaahl gets the nod at first five ahead of Tom Taylor, while there's no room in the squad for former All Black wing Zac Guildford.