New Zealand captain Richie McCaw played down concerns over his fitness as he limped off during their unimpressive 43-10 win over Georgia on Friday night.
– VIDEO: Owen Farrell looks ahead to crucial clash
– #360fans: RWC15 preview – Scotland v South Africa
– VIDEO: Lancaster prepares for ‘biggest game’
– RWC: Savea scores three as NZ edge past Georgia
McCaw was forced off early in the second half and was seen sitting on the New Zealand bench with heavy strapping to his leg.
But the 34-year-old flanker reassured supporters by insisting the injury was “nothing that a bit of ice won’t fix”.
Aside from McCaw’s fitness, what also must have been concerning for Kiwi coach Steve Hansen was his side’s slipshod handling and high error count.
The dogged Georgians made life hard for the tournament favourites with their uncompromising defence forcing mistake after mistake.
McCaw, however, simply felt his side struggled when trying to force scoring opportunities.
“I actually think it was trying too hard at times,” he said. “We created a lot of opportunities in the first half and trying to finish it without taking another phase or another tackle and taking the space that was on.
“I must say we created a lot of opportunities and we were only a pass away. I don’t think we need to panic too much but certainly we have to get those things better.”
