KEY POINTS:
All Blacks fullback Leon MacDonald has been ruled out of the second Bledisloe Cup rugby test against Australia in Auckland on Saturday.
Ongoing concussion symptoms have resulted in veteran MacDonald being withdrawn although an announcement on his replacement was not expected until tomorrow.
All Blacks team doctor Deb Robinson said MacDonald suffered a blow to the head during the 28-30 loss to South Africa in Dunedin on July 12.
He had continued to show signs of fatigue at trainings and team meetings, signs he was still feeling the effects of the blow according to Robinson.
MacDonald wasn't named for last weekend's 19-34 loss to the Wallabies in Sydney, while also recovering from knee and elbow injuries.
The Cantabrian was included in the starting team announced yesterday, pushing Mils Muliaina to the wing and Anthony Tuitavake out of the team.
The selectors may restore that combination or could consider naming Rudi Wulf on the wing.
- NZPA
