Four-time world champion Mahe Drysdale says the back injury which has plagued him this year isn't causing him any problems but he still needs to improve if he's to defend his title at the World Rowing Championships on lake Karapiro this weekend.
The single sculler won his semi-final on Thursday after a controversial start where he halted the race because of a technical problem.
Drysdale says physically he's feeling okay but he'll need to race much better if he's to win a fifth title.
There are six New Zealand crews race in finals today, including defending champions Peter Taylor and Storm Uru in the lightweight double sculls.
