All Blacks minus McDonald

New Zealand and South Africa have received injury setbacks ahead of Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash at Christchurch.

The hosts are without full-back Leon MacDonald as they seek to return to winning ways after their Bledisloe Cup defeat to Australia on June 30.

Meanwhile, the Springboks have lost tour captain Bobby Skinstad and veteran Johan Ackermann from their party.

Crusaders utility MacDonald sustained a groin muscle tear during the build up to the match in Melbourne, and may not return in time for the Tri-Nations finale against the Australians in Auckland.

The All Blacks have planned a reshuffle, with Doug Howlett brought in to the squad, while Wellington’s Conrad Smith is likely to fit in at centre and Mils Muliaina at number 15.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said: “It was good to see he was physical, so I think he’ll be very happy.

“His workrate was good to see because he hasn’t had a lot of footy recently and match hardness is what he’s after. He didn’t have a lot of ball come his way but he still scored a try.”

Isaia Toeava (shoulder) and lock Keith Robinson (calf muscle strain) are also returning from injuries.

However, the visitors have dispatched their two forwards home after injuries in the 25-17 loss in Sydney.

Skinstad suffered a broken rib, while lock Ackermann sustained a calf injury.

“It could be a lot worse, I could be sitting here with my front-line players out for six months,” said coach Jake White.

“It just reaffirms as a coach that the decisions we’ve made in the last four years have been the right decisions.”

Western Province lock Gerrie Britz has joined the South Africans in Christchurch.