New Zealand flanker Richie McCaw is determined to recover from injury to play his part against the British & Irish Lions.
The Crusaders star has been out of action since being knocked unconscious in a Super 12 match against the Bulls on April 10.
But he hopes to be back to face Sir Clive Woodward’s men, with the first Test taking place on June 25.
"It’s a huge occasion for the whole country and hopefully I’ll be involved in the middle of it. It’s going to be a very special experience," McCaw said.
The injury currently keeping McCaw on the sidelines is similar to the one he suffered in a Test match against England last year.
The 24-year-old suffered recurring headaches after that game, but he admits being forced to sit out made him realise how much playing for the All Blacks meant to him.
"It was a scary time," he told the Sunday Star-Times. "Having to watch the All Blacks gave me back the excitement that I needed.
"So, in a way, the injury made me sit up and think, ‘I want to be out there, so I’d better get myself right’.
"I’ve had no more headaches and I’ll be back firing again soon," he added.
