Frontrowers out of semifinals

All Black frontrowers Derren Witcombe and Greg Somerville remain marginal selections for the Grand Slam tour after a day of medical checks.

Both were yesterday ruled out of their team's NPC semifinals this weekend, and should Canterbury and Auckland win those play-off matches, there is little chance either forward will be considered for the October 22 final.

The All Black selectors announce their 35-strong squad the next day for the four-test Grand Slam expedition to Britain and already the panel must be thinking of substitute frontrow choices for the trip. Witcombe joined his Auckland team-mates briefly yesterday to reveal he had been cleared of any serious neck damage after a CT scan but would be having further tests today.

The hooker will have an MRI scan and is also due to see a spinal specialist to discuss his care and the scrum collapse which left him without any feeling in his arms and legs during Auckland's unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenge on Saturday.

"I had a similar injury in 2003, although not as serious as this one," Witcombe revealed. "I'm just pleased to be mobile. The medical staff is doing a great job to make sure that everything is 100 per cent before I get back on the field."

After such a substantial scare, that return may not be this season. The All Black selectors want three hookers on their end-of-year tour, with Keven Mealamu, Anton Oliver, Andrew Hore and Corey Flynn to choose from if Witcombe is unavailable.

"Derren has still got a sore neck and is hardly sleeping," said Auckland manager Peter Thompson.

"He has full movement and said the greatest thing was waking up on Sunday morning and being able to move and walk."

Meanwhile, Canterbury's medical staff said Somerville had a minor tear in his right calf and would miss Friday's opening semifinal against Otago. The prop was walking comfortably and it was too early to predict a recovery time.

Another injured All Black in the Canterbury squad, Leon MacDonald, did not complete a team workout yesterday because of continuing knee problems and is doubtful for Friday.

Auckland wing Joe Rokocoko is also a doubtful starter for Saturday's second semifinal against North Harbour because of a hamstring strain.

Harbour had a day of recovery yesterday with the entire squad fit for selection for the weekend. Captain Rua Tipoki left the field during the final round-robin victory against Southland but was moving freely yesterday.

Selection of the Harbour side will not bring any surprises while the announcement of the Auckland side on Thursday will reveal whether coach Pat Lam finds a starting place for test fullback Mils Muliaina.

All Black hooker Mealamu will start instead of Witcombe and Muliaina must be pushing for a place at centre ahead of Ben Atiga.