Loose forward out of camp

By WYNNE GRAY

A sternum injury has prevented Auckland utility forward Angus Macdonald from joining the All Blacks' latest World Cup training camp.

Macdonald was hurt in Auckland's win against Taranaki and was told to bypass contact training for some days, which stopped him from assembling with the All Blacks in New Plymouth today.

But the lock-loose forward is expected to be fit for Sunday's game at Eden Park against Southland, a team hunting a record fourth straight win in division one.

The All Blacks selectors have notified Auckland that openside flanker Daniel Braid will be available for this round of the NPC and he is expected to fit in two trainings with his province this week.

Midfield back Sam Tuitupou is unlikely to train much as he suffered another shoulder problem in his comeback match against Taranaki.

Auckland coach Wayne Pivac was impressed with Southland's victory against Canterbury and said their form showed an improvement from last year.

"Everything we have been looking to do, Southland have been doing well.

"They are consistent, they have a strong scrum, good ball-handlers and are looking to offload in contact."

But the Canterbury defence had been leaking about 30 points a game.

Auckland play Southland, Bay of Plenty, Northland and Canterbury in their remaining matches to see if they can qualify to defend their NPC title.

* As well as releasing Braid to Auckland, All Blacks coach John Mitchell has released another six of his players for this weekend's NPC first-division matches.

Otago prop Carl Hoeft and halfback Byron Kelleher, Wellington midfielder Ma'a Nonu and No 8 Rodney So'oialo, Canterbury fullback Ben Blair and wing Caleb Ralph will be available to train with their provinces from Thursday.

Fringe players Norm Maxwell and Scott Robertson will join the All Blacks camp today but Waikato prop Deacon Manu will not attend as he suffered a slight injury yesterday at training.

* Former All Blacks halfback Ant Strachan is the new Blues manager for next year's Super 12.

Strachan, who played 11 tests from 1992-1995, replaces former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick.