Rugby: McCaw could return at No 8

Richie McCaw is back training with Canterbury after taking a three week break. Photo / Mark Mitchell

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw could make his return at No 8 for Canterbury's Air New Zealand Cup quarterfinal against Tasman on Friday night.

McCaw is back training with the team this week after a three week break following the Tri Nations.

Canterbury captain Kieran Read says the replacement for Mose Tuiali'i is unclear with Nasi Manu also coming back from an injury.

Halfback Andy Ellis is also being monitored as he deals with a bruised hip from the win over Southland.

As for Read's All Blacks ambitions, it is a case of once bitten, twice shy for the blinside flanker.

After the disappointment of missing out on selection for the All Blacks following the Super 14, Read is not entertaining any thoughts of an international call up for the end of season tour.

Read says he is just focused on doing his job for Canterbury in Friday's quarterfinal.

- NEWSTALK ZB