All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw has backed Crusaders teammate Ross Filipo to handle the step up to international rugby when he makes his test debut against Canada on Saturday.
McCaw acknowledged that Canada would be an easier test rugby baptism for Filipo than the impending Tri-Nations opener againstSouth Africa. However, it was still an international match and he was sure Filipo would handle it well.
"It's amazing how guys you never think that will, get an opportunity, and they do. He's a great guy, I have a lot of time for him and this year he's showed he deserves a crack."
McCaw said the All Blacks had not been fazed by injuries to Keith Robinson before last Saturday's game against France and Ali Williams during the game, and took such absences in their stride.
"It is a concern but everyone is going to have these challenges. Ideally, we'd have them all available but that's not reality. You can get worried about it, you feel sorry for the guys who are out, but if you get too worried you're never going to get past it. You've just got to say that's happened and make the best of what we've got.
"No one is getting too concerned, but Graham Henry might tell you a different story."
McCaw rated last Saturday's All Blacks performance at around 75 per cent of their capability, saying the team was nearing the standards set last year. "We realise that now is not good enough for the Tri-Nations and the Tri-Nations will not be good enough for the World Cup," he said.
"We're confident [about the World Cup]. Everything up until the start of this year we were happy with. I'd say we were in the right spot and, probably, the last two tests we were in a good spot."
