Cullen dropped from All Blacks squad

Christian Cullen's recent see-saw International career took another down-turn with the news that he has been dropped in favour of Leon McDonald for the All Blacks crucial Tri-Nations trip to Durban on Saturday.

The full back is the only change from the side that was edged out 16-14 by World Champions Australia last Saturday.

It provides John Mitchell's team with the opportunity to put the pressure back on the Aussies with a convincing win over the beleaguered Springboks.

New Zealand (v South Afrcia): L McDonald; D Howlett, T Umaga, A Mauger, C Ralph; A Mehrtens, J Marshall; D Hewett, T Willis, G Somerville, S Maling, C Jack, R Thorne, R McCaw, S Robertson.