McCaw's presence will be felt at Six Nations

Richie McCaw

The spectre of Richie McCaw will loom large over this year's Six Nations. The ever-modest McCaw will feel uneasy with the suggestion he will play a role in a tournament 12,000 miles away, but the All Blacks' greatest strength is the Lions' greatest weakness.

The four home unions possess more quality locks than you can shake a stick at. Props, hookers, No 8s and blindsides also seem to be growing on trees.

There's not an openside flanker, though, who would be considered fit to lace McCaw's boots and Lions coach Clive Woodward is desperately hoping that by early April he has found a No 7 who could pop on the red jersey and not look as if he has just been dragged out of the nearest boozer.
The gulf in class between McCaw and what Woodward has at his disposal is that large. When Woodward was here two weeks ago he spoke about his enormous respect for McCaw, picking him as the All Black he would most like to have in his Lions squad.

He was careful, though, not to give the impression he was worried about his openside resources. He waxed lyrical about the merits of Ireland's Johnny O'Connor, reckoned Wales' Colin Charvis would go well if asked to and said England's Richard Hill was still a force at the highest level.

He was perhaps guilty of wishful thinking. With the best will in the world, Charvis is not a Lions openside despite Jonny Wilkinson's claim last week that the Welshman is the best in the world at pinching turnover ball. He's a big, bruising ball carrier and will be in the frame to play blindside or No 8.

Hill is a brilliant player, but at 32, having been out since September with a serious knee injury, can he really foot it with McCaw?

It's a question Woodward will be asking over the next few months. "In picking this team I have to ask whether each player is good enough to go out and play against the All Blacks," Woodward said. "They have a pretty settled team now and I have to ask is this guy good enough to play against McCaw, can this guy handle Carter? That's how I'm picking them. I'm not worried about any position. We are picking from four countries and I think we're strong in every position."

Woodward would never admit it, but O'Connor is the man who will be most on trial when the Six Nations kicks off next week.

The 24-year-old Irishman has mixed it with Europe's best in the Heineken Cup while playing for Wasps. He's quick, aggressive and cussed, the kind of guy first five-eighths don't want in their face.

He's hugely promising, but Woodward is adamant that promise alone will not earn seats on the plane. He wants proven performers, guys who have stood firm in the most mentally and physically testing environments.

"This kid O'Connor is playing fantastic club rugby but international rugby is a big step up. Going head to head with the French and English will be key for me to see whether he's good enough."

What if he's not or gets injured? That will leave Woodward clutching at straws. England's Lewis Moody, for all his rave reviews, has never commanded a regular test place. Scotland's Ally Hogg has impressed wearing seven but, like Charvis, he's a natural No 8.

If no one comes through the Six Nations demanding selection, the contingency plan appears to involve the 35-year-old Neil Back, even though he's retired from international football.

Woodward still rates Back and admits he was wrong to drop him so soon after the World Cup. But the last time Back fronted against McCaw it was embarrassing. Back never looked so out of his depth.

That was two years ago. In the meantime McCaw has become fitter, faster, stronger and even more adept at being in the right place. Back has just got older.

No pressure, then, Johnny O'Connor.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY