Kiwis face captaincy poser
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:22
Happy times: Graham Henry and Richie McCaw
All Black coach Graham Henry is expected to rest only a couple of his key players, when New Zealand face Samoa in New Plymouth next Wednesday, and captain Richie McCaw is one of those on the 'doubtful' list.
Henry indicated he wanted to play as many of his first-choice players as possible, despite Samoa being severely depleted as a result of European clubs refusing to release players for this non-sanctioned international.
The All Blacks want to use the game as a warm-up for their Tri-Nations decider against Australia in Brisbane on September 13.
But McCaw, who is still feeling the after-effects of the rib injury he suffered in the 19-0 whitewash of South Africa at Newlands earlier this month, is set to miss the encounter with the Samoans to ensure he is fully fit for the Wallaby Test 10 days later.
Injured fullback Leon MacDonald will also not be risked against Samoa and may even miss the Tri-Nations decider.
MacDonald is still battling to overcome his latest bout of concussion and Henry said team management were loathe to place him at risk.
However, Henry said wing Joe Rokocoko is an outside chance of returning for the Australian Test.
Henry said Rokocoko will make his comeback from a broken wrist with Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup this weekend and an appearance at Suncorp Stadium next month is not completely out of the question.
He said Rokocoko will play in the next two weekends and if they had injury problems he could get a call-up.
MacDonald has been sidelined since being concussed during the All Blacks' 28-30 loss to the Springboks in Dunedin on July 12.
He missed the Tests against the Wallabies and South Africa and has not appeared at Air NZ Cup level for Canterbury.
Henry said there continued to be concerns about MacDonald's recovery.
"I think Leon is still struggling," Henry told Radio Sport on Wednesday.
"He probably will not be available for the next two test matches."
Henry said MacDonald was being closely monitored by medical personnel.
"The doctors are keeping a close eye on him."
MacDonald, 30 and the veteran of 56 tests, has a long history of concussion since he made his first-class debut 11 seasons ago, with a series of head knocks in 2002-03 prompting a break from the sport.
