KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks' plans to counter the Wallabies suffered another blow yesterday when fullback Leon MacDonald withdrew from the second Bledisloe Cup test this Saturday.
The experienced 30-year-old missed last week's 34-19 loss in Sydney because of a mix of injuries but was chosen in a rejigged backline for the Eden Park rematch until he complained of headaches after training.
After inspection by the medics yesterday, MacDonald was withdrawn from the starting XV in an exit which mirrored the selection and departure last week of skipper Richie McCaw.
Team doctor Deb Robinson said MacDonald's symptoms were quite subtle and he had played a great deal of rugby and not struck any of the troubles he had before he took a year out to play in Japan.
He had taken a knock to the head against the Springboks late in the Dunedin test, had rested for a week but was still troubled by elbow, knee and groin injuries in camp and was overlooked for the test in Sydney. When he rejoined the All Blacks this week in Auckland his symptoms returned and the medical staff decided to pull him out of the test.
"He was vague going to a team meeting, he felt more fatigued afterwards than he'd normally do," Dr Robinson explained. "He'd feel a little light-headed at training. They were very subtle symptoms but clearly he's got a history - we've decided not to risk him."
Dr Robinson would not be drawn on whether MacDonald would be fit to travel with the All Blacks for their next Tri-Nations test in Cape Town on August 17.
"We haven't decided that yet," she said. "Every head knock is different. Some recover very quickly over a few days, some take longer. We don't know. The research doesn't show us why that's the case."
MacDonald's exit has put the kibosh on plans to bolster the kick-return game in the All Blacks' back three and it seems that regular fullback Mils Muliaina is likely to return to that position with either Rudi Wulf or Anthony Tuitavake promoted to the wing.
That decision and the choice of halfback and hooker is also expected to be finalised today. Jimmy Cowan appears to be winning the race with Andy Ellis to see which halfback will start the test with Piri Weepu guaranteed a place on the bench. Hooker Andrew Hore is expected to pass a test on his hip damage at training today.
Dr Robinson was optimistic McCaw would take his place in the starting lineup on Saturday. It had been six weeks since he damaged his ankle against England and while there was always a risk returning from injury, she was sure McCaw would pass the exam this weekend.
If there is any doubt about McCaw lasting the test, then Daniel Braid will be taken into the reserves instead of Adam Thomson. All those decisions are expected to be made today.
