'There's no reason we can't keep improving'

Dubai: Richie McCaw, the New Zealand captain and reigning IRB Player of the Year, claims his all-conquering outfit can vastly improve before next year's World Cup in France.

Speaking during a flying visit to the Dubai Rugby Sevens McCaw said: "There's no reason we can't keep improving. We thought we were only about 75 per cent in the middle of the year, and we may have gone up five to 10 per cent."

And the All Blacks flanker, 26, said their recent tour of Europe, where they pulverised the best teams on the continent, bodes well for September's World Cup.

"It's always hard to go away from home, but it went pretty well and it's good for team culture.

Getting used to

"It was good to play in France, get used to the stadiums, especially Lyon, but we know the French will be a lot better.

"We did what we had to do, and we were pretty pleased with the tour, but the business part is next year.

"A week's a long time in rugby, let alone nine months, so we're not getting carried away."

And McCaw refused to write off the chances of current world champions England defending their crown despite a horrific recent run of one win in nine internationals. He cautioned: "People were saying that the Aussies were no good, three months before the last World Cup, and they got to the final.

Quite a force

"They'll be all right, they've got some good players. They may not be too happy where they are at the moment, but they will still be a force, I reckon."

Meanwhile, outgoing England Sevens coach Mike Friday has revealed he would love to get the chance to work with their full national team after former coach Andy Robinson stepped down last Wednesday.

He said: "There's another year until the World Cup and our side is getting used to the international environment. We just need to them give time.

"Any coach would love to work with talented players like that. I've worked with most of them. They just need time to grow and gel, but I think they will be a force for the World Cup."