Injuries at five-eighths set up intriguing battle

Leon MacDonald

All Black first five-eighths Leon MacDonald was moving more freely yesterday, an essential ingredient if he is to counter new Wallaby pivot Mat Rogers.

The novice test five-eighths will square off in Saturday's Tri-Nations decider, thrown into international play after injury eliminated Daniel Carter, Stephen Larkham, Elton Flatley and Mat Giteau.

MacDonald has also been troubled by injury this season and aggravated a groin strain through punting and goalkicking in the 31-27 victory against the Springboks.
However, he ran a little more yesterday, and he and halfback Piri Weepu, who has a thigh strain, were certain they would be fit for Eden Park. As a precaution, though, the selectors have called up Jimmy Cowan to join the squad.

The All Blacks are trying for their sixth Tri-Nations crown while the Wallabies are trying to halt a four-test losing streak. The battle between the five-eighths will be an intriguing undercard to the main fight.

MacDonald has opposed Rogers at five-eighths in several Super 12 pre-season games between the Crusaders and Waratahs.

"He is a very confident player. He backs himself. He loves to have a go and feels he can change the course of a game by some individual effort," MacDonald said.

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones chose Rogers ahead of Lachlan MacKay for the No 10 job, largely because of his test experience and ability to take the ball to the line.

The 29-year-old Rogers has been used mostly at fullback or wing by the Wallabies since his switch from league in 2001. He has been afflicted by financial, marital, alcohol and injury problems this season.

MacDonald rates Rogers, despite his inexperience, as the most athletic first five-eighths in the world apart from Carter.

"He does things differently. He has got a lot of flair about how he plays and provides lots of defensive challenges. He is a real threat, and we can be sure he will have a decent crack at us," MacDonald said.

He said his groin injury flared up when he cooled down at halftime against the Springboks. He was replaced 12 minutes from time by Luke McAlister.

"It is coming right," MacDonald said, "and I think I will be able to get through the game."