Umaga to miss trials with flu

Tana Umaga

All Black captain Tana Umaga has been given a red card from Friday's national trial in Napier.

Umaga has succumbed to the flu, with his second five-eighths place taken by Seilala Mapusua, and Tane Tu'ipulotu promoted to the Probables bench.

"We want Tana healthy. That's the most important thing," All Black coach Graham Henry said as he prepared for the upcoming three-test series against the Lions.

Umaga has also been troubled lately by a damaged hand and his absence this week will also allow that injury to recover. But his trial absence has scuppered plans to check out his midfield combination with Mils Muliaina.

Possibles lock Ross Kennedy has also withdrawn to have surgery on a knee, with his place taken by Tom Donnelly, and Bryce Williams coming into the reserves.

Kennedy hopes to recover for Wellington's game against the Lions on June 15.

Injured hooker Anton Oliver has flown to Napier to continue his rehabilitation work with the All Blacks' medical staff. Oliver has started to walk freely after tearing his calf muscle three weeks ago and there is optimism he may recover to play for Otago against the Lions on June 18, a week before the first test.

The All Blacks squad to open their campaign against Fiji at Albany on June 10 will be announced on Saturday.