New Zealand
McCaw backs rising star Nathan Harris
ESPN Staff
September 22, 2014
Nathan Harris takes a breather after the Chiefs' victory, Crusaders v Chiefs, Super Rugby, AMI Stadium, Christchurch, February 21, 2014
Richie McCaw has heaped praise on the young Chiefs player © Getty Images
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All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw has heaped praise on Nathan Harris which will surely ease the 22-year-old's nerves ahead of the upcoming tests against Argentina and South Africa. After a flight cancellation stopover in Auckland on Saturday, McCaw was quick to back the young hooker saying he's confident Harris can perform if required.

"Nathan Harris has been with us for most of this year and would have picked up a fair bit. You can see he's grown without having a chance to get on the field," McCaw told Fairfax Media. "He'll no doubt get his chance in South Africa and I'm sure he'll do a good job if he has to."

McCaw also seemed pleased that several other youngsters had been able to slot into the side and make an immediate impact.

"The great thing about the All Blacks team is you see guys and perhaps wonder how they're going to go. They come in here and I think it's a symptom of the environment, but they seem to be able to slot in very well," said McCaw.

McCaw and coach Steve Hansen will now set their sights on maintaining their perfect record against the Pumas. Despite that record, McCaw admits they will need to be at their best and can't take Argentina lightly.

"We're going to have to be on the job. We came off last week happy with the win but not totally happy with how we played," McCaw said.

The All Blacks will face Argentina in La Plata on Sunday morning, the 28th of September (AEST).

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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