Vito in for injured McCaw against Canada

A foot injury that has hampered New Zealand flanker and captain Richie McCaw in the past has forced his withdrawal from Sunday's Pool A match against Canada.

The foot "niggle" flared up after Friday's training session and it was decided that McCaw would sit out the match as a precaution.

His absence brings loose forward Victor Vito in to play at openside flanker for the first time at Test level, while fly half Daniel Carter will make his debut as All Blacks captain.

McCaw's problem stems from a screw he had inserted in a bone in his right foot earlier in the year to repair a stress fracture.

"It gets niggly at times and after Saturday's game (against France) was no different. I managed the early part of the week and usually it's right to play," McCaw said at the team hotel.

"But (it was) just a bit niggly this morning. I just woke up a bit sore after training yesterday.

Sensible decision

"What I did yesterday, I don't know. It would be nice not to have that (pain) but whenever you have bits of metal put in your foot there's the possibility of having these things."

McCaw said that with New Zealand already qualified for the knockout stage, the decision was made to rest him for this match so his training next week is not compromised by potentially lengthening the recovery from his usual post-match niggle.

"There's a difference between being tough and playing with things that are a bit sore, and being stupid," he said.

"If I had to play tomorrow night, if it was a knockout game, I probably would have but the decision was to make sure I'll be right for next week.

"If anything, the fact I'm not playing now means I'll be really fresh for next week."

Vito, who normally plays number 8, said he had trained at openside flanker with the team and knew the requirements.

"I think the number 8 works quite closely with the number seven. The work rate's up there as well," he said.

Momentum

"Obviously when you've got a guy like 'Skip' in that position it adds an extra dimension to it, but those roles are quite interchangeable now and if anything it's upping the work rate and keeping the physicality coming."

New Zealand assistant coach Wayne Smith said the coaching staff were not alarmed.

"We're keen to build momentum this week and Canada's a pretty important game for us to do that," Smith said.

"But the reality is we've made the quarter-finals and Richard's going to lead us into the quarter-finals next week.

"I think that's pretty important to note. He's going to be fine."

Smith said it was a simple call to make Carter captain. "He's a director of the team, he's a hell of an experienced, great player and he's our vice-captain."