Rugby: Richie McCaw keeping emotions in check

Richie McCaw will likely be playing his last Crusaders game in Christchurch. Photo / Getty Images

Richie McCaw is managing to temper his emotions ahead of the probable end of an era for several Crusaders teammates.

With a home playoff unlikely, tomorrow night's match against the Reds in Christchurch is most likely the final time Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor all run out at Super Rugby level on AMI Stadium.

But the All Blacks captain says they must keep preparing for their main task at hand. While the emotions are starting to brew, they have to keep focusing on the rest of the season.

"We've still got a season to go yet so you don't want to start thinking like that," McCaw says.

"Stranger things have happened. We could have another game back here if we do it right."

"When you reflect on things later down the track, if you've performed well, you'd be pretty happy."

"You don't want to get too caught up in 'What might be'."

McCaw will return from a head knock off the bench in tomorrow's game.