The legendary All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw believes New Zealand still have a chance of getting back into the competition despite their 14-12 loss to Japan in their pool opener yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports, McCaw said the loss would no doubt boost their performance

“Our men’s sevens team lost the first one but they seemed to be pretty cool,” he said.

“For this tournament I have a lot of teams on my list but to be honest I love to say New Zealand but there is Australia and Fiji. It will be tough for New Zealand but I hope they will pick up, as they also have injuries.”

The 35-year-old, who brought his illustrious career to an end last year after leading the All Blacks to Rugby World Cup title wins in 2011 and 2015, is in Rio to support his fiancé Gemma Flynn, who is playing for the New Zealand women’s hockey team known as the Black Sticks.

McCaw also presented the jerseys to the New Zealand sevens players on the eve of the tournament.

“This is sevens rugby and the win can go anywhere,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Gordon Tietjens coached- side bounced back to thrash Kenya 28-5 in their second pool match. Today, they need to beat Great Britain in their final pool match to book their quarterfinal spot.

 Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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