Backline reshuffle for Canterbury

Canterbury have been forced to make two late changes to their backline for tomorrow night's Air New Zealand Cup rugby quarterfinal in Wellington.

All Blacks fullback Leon MacDonald and former international centre Casey Laulala have both been ruled out of the sudden death match at Westpac Stadium.

The pair had been bracketed earlier in the week but were both ruled out today with knee and concussion problems respectively.

MacDonald has been replaced by Paul Williams while the experienced Caleb Ralph moves into midfield to counter the twin threats of Conrad Smith and Tana Umaga.

Stephen Yates comes on to the wing in place of Ralph.

MacDonald strained a knee during the 27-22 win over Auckland last Saturday night and Laulala was concussed while attempting to tackle Joe Rokocoko in the 68th minute at Jade Stadium.

There had been optimism that Laulala would recover but he was declared a non-starter after the team's captain's run this morning.

"We gave Casey every opportunity to be available for the game, but have run out of time," Canterbury coach Rob Penney said.

"The short turnaround, in terms of only having six days between matches, hasn't helped us in this instance, but we would always put player welfare first.

"When Casey came to see me this morning and said he still didn't feel he was 100 per cent, the decision was made.

"There is no way we would take any risks with a player's personal well being."

Ralph will now start at centre, where he has had regular experience for Canterbury and the Crusaders in recent years after starting his All Black test career in the position back in 1998.

Yates will earn his 15th representative cap. The Burnside winger made his first class debut for Canterbury against North Harbour in 2004.

With Williams and Yates both reverting to the starting 15, Tim Bateman takes the vacant position among the backline reserves.

Canterbury: Paul Williams, Scott Hamilton, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger (captain), Stephen Yates, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw, Kieran Read, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Campbell Johnstone, Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Tim Bateman, Cameron McIntyre, Kevin Senio, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks, Michael Paterson, Hayden Hopgood.

- NZPA