McCaw backtracks on criticism

Paris - All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw insisted on Wednesday that his bitter criticism of France, who he accused of "filthy" play in the World Cup final, had been taken out of context.

McCaw had also said he was surprised French centre Aurelien Rougerie was not cited over the alleged gouge late in the October 23 final, which New Zealand won 8-7.

"They were taken out of context. I was at a dinner and was talking with someone and I simply said I was surprised that Rougerie had not been cited by the disciplinary officer," McCaw told French radio station RMC.

"I was really irritated by the way my words were reported."