Umaga may miss Irish test

Tana Umaga will be rested for one of the first two tests in Britain next month, probably the Irish match at Lansdowne Rd, with Richie McCaw likely to lead the side.


That would allow Umaga to start his tour against Six Nations champions Wales.

That plan would help to defuse any Irish resentment hanging over from Umaga's involvement in the tackle on Brian O'Driscoll that ended the Lions skipper's tour here and which will keep the Irishman out of the November 13 rematch with the All Blacks.

McCaw captained the side against Wales last year, when Umaga was rested.

Henry does not want anyone in his 35-strong squad to play more than two successive internationals during next month's Grand Slam attempt.

Meanwhile the elevation of teenage Auckland utility Isaia Toeava may have given Blues coach David Nucifora an extra headache for Thursday's Super 14 selection meeting. He can protect 24 players, perhaps another if Justin Collins gets a medical exemption, and is likely to include 11 backs.