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Rugby Union

All Blacks' MacDonald ruled out

30/07/2008

New Zealand's fractured start to their Tri-Nations Cup campaign has been further disrupted by the news that starting full-back Leon MacDonald will not play in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup match against Australia.

Although no official confirmation has been given by the New Zealand Rugby Board on MacDonald's condition, reports coming out of the All Blacks camp suggest the full-back is suffering from a concussion.

MacDonald missed last week's 34-19 defeat to the Wallabies in Sydney because of knee and elbow injuries but was initially named at 15 for the return game in Auckland this weekend.

He has since been pulled from the matchday squad, despite head coach Graham Henry admitting the team had made "tactical changes" to accommodate MacDonald's return - namely Mils Muliaina moving from full-back to the wing.

"Clearly there are areas we need to improve on from Sydney," Henry stated.

"We have to have the right game plan and execution."

Since beating England in back-to-back Tests in June and recording a victory over Ireland, the All Blacks have struggled for consistency with a win against South Africa followed up with a home defeat to the Springboks and another away to bitter rivals Australia.

And the coaching staff face a number of dilemmas in their selection for this week's match, with hooker Andrew Hore (hip pointer) and scrum-halves Andy Ellis (ribs) and Jimmy Cowan (knee) all doubtful.

However, the side is likely to be boosted by the return of inspirational captain and flanker Richie McCaw.