Umaga out of All Blacks trial

Injury and illness have forced two changes to the All Blacks trial teams, the Rugby Union said today.

Probables captain Tana Umaga is sick with a flu and will be rested for the fixture. Umaga's absence gives Seilala Mapusua the chance to start at second five-eighth for the Probables, and Tane Tu'ipulotu moves on to the Probables' bench.

Meanwhile, lock Ross Kennedy is ruled out of the Possibles team by a knee injury and Tom Donnelly starts instead. Kennedy played with a meniscal tear through much of the Sport Super 12 and has now opted for surgery. The Possibles bench place goes to Bryce Williams who missed the Super 12 season due to shoulder reconstruction.

"We want Tana healthy, that's the most important thing," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry. "He's got this 'bot' and resting him is the sensible thing to do."

A start for Seilala will also allow the selectors to further assess the different midfield combinations and options available to the All Blacks and Junior All Blacks, noted Henry. A new captain for the Probables will be named next week.

"We also understand and support Ross Kennedy's decision to have surgery sooner rather than later," said Henry. "If he has the operation now, there's a good chance he will be available for Wellington's match against the Lions."

The Probables play the Possibles at McLean Park, Napier on the evening of Friday, June 3. The All Blacks squad to play Fiji will be announced the following day.

* TEAMS

Probables

Tony Woodcock
Derren Witcombe
Campbell Johnstone
James Ryan
Ali Williams
Sione Lauaki
Craig Newby
Steven Bates
Byron Kelleher
Nick Evans
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Seilala Mapusua
Mils Muliaina
Doug Howlett
Sosene Anesi

Probables Reserves

Keven Mealamu
Clarke Dermody
Bradley Mika
Rodney So'oialo
Jimmy Cowan
Andrew Mehrtens
Tane Tu'ipulotu 

Possibles

Saimone Taumoepeau
Andrew Hore (Captain)
John Afoa
Tom Donnelly
Kevin O'Neill
Chris Masoe
Josh Blackie
Nick Williams
Steve Devine
Stephen Donald
Brent Ward
Ma'a Nonu
Conrad Smith
Scott Hamilton
Ben Atiga 

Possibles Reserves

Tone Kopelani
Carl Hoeft
Bryce Williams
Jerry Collins
Jamie Nutbrown
Jimmy Gopperth
Casey Laulala