Two changes for All Blacks but MacDonald doubts linger

NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry has made two changes to his starting line-up for this weekend’s decisive Tri-Nations encounter against Australia in Auckland, but could be forced into a third.

Flanker Sione Lauaki and winger Doug Howlett will start, but doubts over the fitness of Leon MacDonald, who is named at number 10, again dominate proceedings.

MacDonald, who replaced Dan Carter with such aplomb at fly-half against South Africa, has been suffering from a hip injury for the last week and missed training.