All Black Richie McCaw has been saluted by Canterbury coach Aussie McLean after his come-back game in the NPC.
McCaw missed the Tri-Nations series after colliding with team-mate Xavier Rush in the first All Blacks test against England in June.
He then suffered unexplained headaches which kept him out of the gamefor two and half months.
But yesterday he returned to NPC action in Canterbury's 52-13 win over Southland at Jade Stadium. Canterbury retained the Ranfurly Shield and took maximum points.
McCaw lasted the full 80 minutes and scored a try.
He said after the game he was pleased to be back but that it took him a good 10 minutes to get up to speed.
He said the time off the field had taken its toll on his match fitness, but he stood up to the knocks pretty well.
Coach McLean added: "I see he cramped up towards the end, but it was a pretty special performance from what is a pretty special person and player."
The win leaves Canterbury in fourth place in the division one standings, four points behind leaders Taranaki who were thrashed 51-22 by Auckland yesterday.
Today's game is a bottom half of the table clash between Northland and North Harbour at Whangarei which kicks off at 2.35pm.
Harbour coach Allan Pollock said his team had been given time off to prepare for the game away from the club.
He said: "We have been in the lucky position that we have been able to send our players away for three whole days."
