The All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says he hopes his six-month sabattical will extend his international career.
McCaw, who re-signed with the NZRU for four years following the World Cup, will take a break from the game following the end-of-year tour.
Speaking in Buenos Aires ahead of their Rugby Championship match against Argentina, the 31-year-old 110-test veteran says he's doing it for himself and the team.
McCaw says he's keen to play as long as he can and the break will prolong his career.
He says he's never had more than a couple of months off, but he's not sure yet what he's going to do during his break.
