Mauger test of rotation policy looms

Second five-eighth Aaron Mauger's withdrawal from the All Blacks rugby team to play Australia tomorrow will intensify the pressure on rookie centre Isaia Toeava and also test his replacement Luke McAlister's ability to command the midfield role.

The All Blacks' chances of securing a 3-0 Bledisloe Cup whitewash - and a fourth consecutive Tri-Nations win to also retain that silverware - have ostensibly taken a hit with the influential Mauger's absence at Eden Park.

Mauger today succumbed to a groin strain sustained at training on Wednesday.

He trained lightly yesterday and again today but was ruled out by medical staff after being unable to stride out at maximum pace.

The 36-test veteran, whose passing and tactical kicking at second five-eighth provide a perfect foil to first-five Dan Carter, was close to making the cut and is expected to fly to South Africa next week for two tests against the Springboks.

An All Blacks team spokesman said Mauger was "clearly close enough to full fitness" and was expected to improve with further medical treatment before the team head to South Africa.

The immediate onus is now on an untried midfield combination to curb Australia's seasoned partnership of Matt Giteau and Stirling Mortlock, who boast a combined 84 caps.

Toeava and McAlister, with 11 tests between them, have never combined at test or provincial level.

McAlister has played just three minutes of his eight-test career at No 12, during the All Blacks' 35-17 win over South Africa in Wellington last month.

In that game he replaced Sam Tuitupou, who has been added to the reserves for tomorrow.

Toeava started at centre against Argentina in June but has played most of his rugby at fullback.

The McAlister/Toeava combination also provides a litmus test for head coach Graham Henry's rotation policy.

Mauger was initially selected to help Toeava through his biggest test but the All Blacks coaching staff maintained the 20-year-old was capable of surviving without the midfield general alongside him.

Backs coach Wayne Smith said there was never an intention of compensating for Mauger's absence by reverting Mils Muliaina to centre and Leon MacDonald to fullback.

"That was never considered. The idea of creating two players in each position, 30 genuine test players, is to cover this sort of situation," he said.

"There's a lot more trust today than there would have been a year ago."

Henry doubted the change would prove disruptive, noting McAlister had had plenty of time to run at second five-eighth at training this week.

He also dismissed suggestions the All Blacks were taking Australia lightly by fielding a rookie at centre and Jason Eaton ahead of the more experienced Ali Williams at lock.

"This team is trying to create some kind of legacy .... it's about beating the (British and Irish) Lions, winning Tri-Nations, Bledisloe Cups, Grand Slams .... it's about individual players improving," he said, as the All Blacks seek a 14th consecutive victory.

Skipper Richie McCaw agreed said there had been no drop in intensity despite his team already locking up the Bledisloe Cup and having one hand on the Tri-Nations title.

"It was in the back of everyone's mind to keep the Bledisloe but the Tri-Nations is important ... putting together a good performance against Australia is enough motivation," McCaw said.

" ... the excitement in this team shows this game's important.

"We don't want to be sitting here (after the game) talking about all these things we haven't quite got right after a loss."

McCaw took no solace in the fact Australia have won just one of their last 17 tests on the road against leading nations New Zealand, France, England and South Africa over the last five years.

"It (those statistics) doesn't mean it's going to be any easier. They're better than that," he said.

"There's very little between the teams. Sometimes there can be a swing of quite a few points depending on how you turn up.

"Perhaps in Christchurch (a 32-12 victory to New Zealand this year) they weren't quite where they wanted to be and they said that," McCaw said.

"In Brisbane (New Zealand won 13-9) both teams were right on the money and it showed how close everyone is.

"I'm sure on Saturday night it'll be who fronts up the best will take the game."

- NZPA