McCaw looking forward

Keen to look forward, not back: Richie McCaw

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw is hoping that Saturday's one-off Test against Ireland will give his side the chance to finally put their World Cup disappointment behind them.

The All Blacks had been overwhelming favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy in France, however they came unstuck against the hosts in the quarter-finals.

The shock exit has haunted the New Zealand squad ever since, with coach Graham Henry only keeping his job after having to reapply for the position.

However, with the All Blacks facing Ireland on Saturday, followed by the two-Test series against England, McCaw is keen to look forward rather than back.

"I think from that day til now, any time the All Blacks have been talked about it has been looking back at that game and what happened at the World Cup," he said.

"I suppose now that we are back in camp for this year we can start looking forward and as players that is what we are pretty keen to do.

"I don't think there is any more pressure than there has always been on the All Blacks. The expectation is always there to do well so as players we have to make sure we prepare right and perform."