All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is to miss the mid-year Test matches against France and Italy, after injuring his knee in the Super 14 semifinal loss against the Bulls last weekend.

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said McCaw's symptoms worsened on the flight home from South Africa this week and he had a scan in Christchurch on Thursday.

"The scan revealed he had a torn ligament on the postero-lateral corner [outside] of his right knee," Robinson said.

Robinson said, as a result, McCaw would be unavailable for the Test matches against France and Italy next month, but would likely be available for the Tri-Nations, which kicks off in July.

She said McCaw did not require surgery.

"He will have a period of complete rest and once the swelling and pain have subsided then he will be able to get into some bike work before he can resume running and rugby training."

It's the second time that McCaw has injured his right knee this year.

Robinson said McCaw had injured the medial ligament in the knee in the Crusaders-Highlanders match in March, but this latest injury was new and not related to that injury.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: "It's incredibly disappointing news for Richie. As everyone knows, he is an outstanding and influential player and the leader of the All Blacks and we will be giving him every support he needs over the next few weeks."

365

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