 He was part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup squad in New Zealand, where he made his World Cup debut against Italy playing at Inside Centre, in a 32–5 victory at North Harbour Stadium.He became a consistent starter under Head-Coach Robbie Deans and featured in the same position in his second and third games versus Ireland and the United States respectively.But an injury sustained the USA match, force McCabe to withdraw from the squad and was not expected to take any further part in the World Cup.