MacDonald wins first five-eighth berth

Leon MacDonald. Picture / Fotopress

Leon MacDonald has won the contentious first five-eighth berth for the All Blacks team named today to play South Africa in the decisive Tri-Nations rugby test at Carisbrook on Saturday.

MacDonald was preferred to Luke McAlister to replace the injured Daniel Carter in the only change from the New Zealand starting 15 who beat Australia in their last test at Sydney.

The other changes come on the bench, where winger Doug Howlett takes MacDonald's place as outside back cover while Sione Lauaki replaces fellow Waikato loose forward Marty Holah.

All Blacks team:
Mils Muliaina
Rico Gear
Tana Umaga (captain)
Aaron Mauger
Joe Rokocoko
Leon MacDonald
Piri Weepu
Rodney So'oialo
Richie McCaw
Jerry Collins
Ali Williams
Chris Jack
Carl Hayman
Keven Mealamu
Tony Woodcock

Reserves:
Derren Witcombe
Greg Somerville
James Ryan
Sione Lauaki
Kevin Senio
Luke McAlister
Doug Howlett

- NZPA