Super Rugby
Richie McCaw undergoes thumb surgery
March 5, 2014
Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw watches from the bench after suffering a thumb injury, Blues v Crusaders, Super Rugby, Eden Park, Auckland, February 28, 2014
Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw watches from the bench after suffering a thumb injury © Getty Images
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Richie McCaw will miss almost half of the Crusaders' Super Rugby season after breaking a bone in his left thumb.

The All Blacks captain underwent surgery on Tuesday to insert a screw in the thumb he broke in the Crusaders' 35-24 loss to the Blues last Friday, with a team spokeswoman saying "the surgery went well and Richie is now in recovery". The screw is likely to remain in his thumb permanently but McCaw does not expect to have any long-term effects.

The Crusaders expect McCaw will be sidelined for eight weeks, meaning he will miss six games and possibly resume against the Brumbies in Christchurch on May 3. That date will give him up to five games to prove his fitness ahead of New Zealand's three home Tests against England in June. His openside flanker spot at the Crusaders is likely to be filled by Matt Todd, who made his All Blacks debut last year.

Last year McCaw played just 28 minutes of the Crusaders' season. He returned late in their campaign after taking a break from rugby, and made two late appearances off the reserves bench.

The Blues proved too good for the Crusaders, scoring four tries in thirteen minutes (video available in Australia only)
© AAP

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