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.

“Our expectations are he has to drop this injury, we don’t want him to train until it’s right,” Henry said.

“We’re going to give him a bit of space to do that. I’d be surprised if he trained tomorrow but he’s close to the action and he’s listening to what backs coach Wayne Smith has to say. We just have to give him time because if we push him then he’s not going to play.”

Luke McAlister has been put on stand-by to replace MacDonald if he is ruled out.

Lauaki takes over from Jerry Collins, whose suspension has forced Henry to change a winning team following last weekend’s 31-27 triumph over the Springboks.

“We respect Australian rugby and the Australian team and we all know it will be a hard game at the weekend,” Henry said.

“Jerry has had an outstanding international season. It’s disappointing he can’t finish it. It was a logical selection. Sione Lauaki’s been in the squad right through, he’s been on the bench a lot and he’ll be dying for an opportunity.”

But the New Zealand coach has dropped Rico Gear in favour of Howlett, recalled to the Tri-Nations side after flourishing in the NPC.

The Auckland flyer lost his All Blacks spot earlier this month.

“He’s (Gear) had a big year, and we’ve got a fresh guy, Dougie, who’s jumping out of his skin,” he said.

“It’s just sensible to play Doug in this game.”

Reserve prop Greg Somerville, whose wife is due to give birth to their first child, may also step down.

Assistant coach Steve Hansen said: “We’ll give Greg as much time as he needs, he’s well versed in what we’re doing and how we do it. We’ll give him the opportunity to go about his business and get back up here.

“In the situation he’s in, you have to give people enough space to be able to be happy and still come and perform.”

The All Blacks are looking to extend a 19-year unbeaten streak against the Wallabies at Eden Park.

NEW ZEALAND: M Muliaina; D Howlett, T Umaga (capt), A Mauger, J Rokocoko; L MacDonald, P Weepu; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, C Hayman, C Jack, A Williams, S Lauaki, R McCaw, R So’oialo.

Replacements: D Witcombe, G Somerville, J Ryan, M Holah, K Senio, L McAlister, C Smith.