KEY POINTS:
Leon MacDonald's test rugby career appears in jeopardy with the All Blacks coaching staff today expressing their concerns about his catalogue of concussion-related setbacks.
The 56-test veteran was originally named to play fullback against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday night, but he was withdrawn yesterday after it became evident he was still affected by a head knock sustained late in the 28-30 test loss to South Africa on July 12.
MacDonald has returned home to his family in Christchurch and is highly unlikely to be available for the All Blacks' Tri-Nations trip to South Africa for a one-off test in Cape Town on August 16.
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith, who introduced MacDonald to elite rugby when selecting him for the Crusaders in 1997, said the 30-year-old was taking time out to reassess his future.
"I'd say he and his family are pretty concerned. They've got some decisions to make," said Smith, after confirming Mils Muliaina will revert to fullback while Richard Kahui will play out of position on the wing.
"It's right Leon's home with his family, he needs a bit of time."
MacDonald has a long history of concussion since he made his first class debut 11 seasons ago with a series of head knocks in 2002-03 prompting a break from the sport.
He had experienced few problems since returning from a playing stint in Japan for the 2005 Super 12 season but he has suffered at least two blows during the current test calendar.
MacDonald was dazed soon after coming on as a substitute against England at Auckland on June 14 though he was fit to start the following week in Christchurch.
His recovery from the hit against the Springboks has been more problematic. MacDonald was released from the squad to go home and when he returned he appeared listless during team meetings and lightheaded after training.
All Blacks management initially skirted around the concussion saying MacDonald was too "battered and bruised" to be considered for last weekend's Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.
When this week's team was named on Tuesday it was explained MacDonald had elbow, knee and groin niggles.
But yesterday the real concern emerged when team doctor Deb Robinson revealed MacDonald was still suffering "subtle symptoms" of the latest head knock.
MacDonald's condition was initially kept under wraps at his request, because media speculation about his health had previously concerned his family.
"You have got to understand that families probably get pretty worried about these things, they shouldn't be taken lightly," Smith said.
"I know when I used to get concussed it was my wife and my mum that were always more concerned than I was.
"Normally we would disclose everything but we are allowed confidentiality in some issues. We wanted to show some empathy with Leon and his family so we gave him some time to try and get things right."
With MacDonald's immediate playing future in doubt, Smith said the All Blacks would monitor the opening round of the provincial championship to scout possible replacements.
Canterbury's Paul Williams' strong season with the Highlanders saw him invited to the All Blacks first training camp while Smith suggested Wellington's Cory Jane may also be in the frame.
The 26-man squad may also be rejigged for the trip to South Africa with three halfbacks and three hookers likely to travel.
- NZPA
