With bigger, stronger and harder players, injuries have become an increasingly prevalent part of the game of modern rugby.  Squads are larger, and coaches worldwide are accustomed to dealing with all kinds of niggles and strains, breaks and tears.  But when a coach loses his star player, the team’s inspiration, the individual who really makes them tick, what does he do then? 

England learnt to their cost last month that there is no substitute for class, with neither Charlie Hodgson or Olly Barkley able to provide the impetus Danny Cipriani surely would have done on tour.  New Zealand have now been put in a situation graver than this, with Richie McCaw ruled out for at least the opening half of the Tri-Nations series. 

The last time McCaw missed a Test for the All Blacks was against the Lions in the third Test in Auckland back in 2005, and he has not been out for an extended period of time since 2004, when he had problems with concussion. 

If McCaw had to be summed up in one word, that word would be inspirational. When the All Blacks are struggling in a match, unable to gain the momentum needed to win much-needed possession and territory, it is generally McCaw who leads by example, with a timely steal at the bottom of a ruck or a high-impact tackle to drive the opposition back.  When New Zealand need cool heads in defence, particularly in tight games, it's McCaw who provides a calming influence. 

For a player who plays so close to the edge when it comes to adhering to some of the rules of the game, the All Blacks captain appears to have a strong relationship with referees on the pitch. It could be argued that this is down to the respect he has garnered throughout the game. 

There is no doubt that the loss of McCaw will therefore be huge for the All Blacks.  With Rodney So'oialo leading the team, they have an experienced player stepping into the breach, but doubts will definitely remain over his ability to captain an international side. 

For the first time in a few years, the All Blacks no longer possess the strongest back-row in rugby.  Adam Thompson and Jerome Kaino are both extremely promising players who have had strong seasons, but they will struggle against the exuberance and sheer talent of the Springbok back-row and the experience of the Wallaby outfit.  With no McCaw to guide them, this could be one of the areas that costs the All Blacks a few games this season. 

The front row is strong, and will work to bully the South African and Australian packs as much as possible in order to give the back-row a platform.  Even with the loss of Carl Heyman to Newcastle, there appears to be good strength in depth at both hooker and prop, with little to choose between players all offering different options.  If New Zealand are going to do well in this season's competition, their front five has to dominate in the tight.  Brad Thorne and Ali Williams will help in this area, but have to improve on their line-out showings against England. The New Zealand line-out was strong against Ireland, but faltered dramatically against the English, and against the Springboks and Wallabies, where second row is always a strength, this could again be a stumbling block. 

New Zealand also seem to be lacking a little at scrum-half compared to recent years.  Andy Ellis is solid, and plays well behind a pack providing quick, go-forward ball, but has rarely been tested when his team is struggling.  Jimmy Cowan has been given a final chance after another alcohol-related indiscretion, and whilst it's a positive stance for the NZRFU to take, New Zealand will miss the impact that can be provided by more the more energetic and aware Brendan Leonard, who has still not recovered from a knee injury. 

Dan Carter at fly-half is beginning to show his pre-World Cup form, scoring 44 of the All Blacks’ 81 points against England.  With the right platform, there is little doubt that Carter can win any game for New Zealand, but he may struggle to receive the quality of ball required to unlock the miserly Springbok defence in particular. 

With Ma’a Nonu seemingly now a firm fixture in the All Black centre and Conrad Smith given another opportunity to strengthen his claims for a permanent berth, Carter has the players outside him to cause any defence problems. After his performance in the second Test against England, Richard Kahui must feel unlucky for not even making the 22 for the game in Wellington. 

In Mils Muliaina, a solid fullback who joins the line at the right time running intelligent lines, the All Blacks possess a third centre. It would be nice to see him do this on a more regular occurrence in the big game, though, making the defensive lines think just that little bit harder. Sitaveni Sivivatu was a little bit quiet in the Tests against England, save for a couple of outstanding runs of the shoulder of Carter, and he needs to set an example for Rudi Wulf and involve himself in the game more.

Looking towards the first game, there is very little to choose between the teams.  Even playing against the likes of Brian Habana and Jean de Villiers, the All Blacks have the edge in the backline. Whether this advantage will be utilised is questionable, however, and the Springboks should have the edge in the back-row and at lineout time, winning the game by a score. 

If this is the case, it could be a long Tri-Nations for the McCaw-less All Blacks, and a highly successful one for the Springboks.