Marshall on bench, MacDonald in doubt

Justin Marshall and Leon MacDonald

All Blacks great Justin Marshall will bid farewell to New Zealand rugby off the reserve bench in Saturday's third test against the Lions here, while doubt surrounds the fitness of first five-eighth Leon MacDonald.

Otago first five-eighth Nick Evans was called into the All Blacks squad tonight as cover after MacDonald failed to make any progress on a groin injury sustained at training yesterday.

The injury had stiffened up this morning and a clear diagnosis on its severity was difficult today, leaving the selectors in search of backup.

Second five-eighth specialist Aaron Mauger, considered next in line behind Carter for the No 10 berth, is unavailable with a hamstring injury suffered in the second test.

Earlier today All Blacks coach Henry repeated his belief that Evans still had work to do before he was ready to step up to test level, but there are few other options available if fullback specialist MacDonald was ruled out.

The only other possibility would be to start with uncapped Aucklander Luke McAlister, who was introduced to the squad as cover on Monday, but the selectors regard him more as a second five-eighth at this stage of his career.

The likelihood of a change would become clearer after the All Blacks' training session in Waitakere tomorrow.

In the biggest surprise of a team changed little from the 48-18 second test triumph, 80-test veteran Marshall has been kept among the reserves behind starting halfback Byron Kelleher.

Henry confirmed the selectors would give Marshall time off the bench but wouldn't be swayed by sentimentality before New Zealand's third most capped test player leaves for a two-year stint with English club Leeds.

"It was the most difficult selection of the test match, but Justin will play and will finish the test match, which we think is very important," Henry said.

"He's been a great player, one of the leading All Blacks of the last decade."

Henry then raised eyebrows when he said Marshall may yet play again for the All Blacks, "so it may not be a farewell".

Pressed further, Henry said journalists should talk to Marshall to explain what he meant.

However, the usually-verbose halfback had placed himself off-limits to the media this week.

Assuming he sees out his Leeds contract, Marshall could squeeze in an appearance at the 2007 World Cup in France aged 34.

He could return in time to complete an NPC season, a strict regulation the New Zealand Rugby Union stipulates for returning players before they can represent the All Blacks.

MacDonald and Wellington centre Conrad Smith were the only newcomers to the starting lineup from the second test, because of the injuries to Carter and Mauger respectively.

Smith is yet to appear in this series and comes in at centre, with captain Tana Umaga shifting in one spot to second five-eighth.

On the reserve bench, Otago tyro James Ryan replaces Jono Gibbes and Luke McAlister was introduced to provide cover in the five-eighth region, displacing Ma'a Nonu.

Prop Carl Hayman wasn't considered because of his infected foot injury, leaving Greg Somerville to start again at tighthead prop.

If he is passed fit, much interest will surround MacDonald's performance in the No 10 jersey following Carter's outstanding second test display.

Backs coach Wayne Smith believed the All Blacks' playing routines wouldn't be affected by the change.

"We see (Leon) as a similar style player to Daniel Carter in that he's physically strong, he's a good defender, he brings the line up fast," Smith said.

"He's very capable on attack, he's a good runner. He's come from a season in Japan where he was first five and goalkicker."

Henry names his Tri-Nations squad on Sunday and confirmed Carter and Mauger would be fit for inclusion.

That wasn't necessarily the case with hooker Anton Oliver, who has missed the Lions series with an Achilles injury.

"I think he'll play some part in the Tri-Nations, whether it's the start or halfway through, we don't know," Henry said.

"He's made more progress than he's made for a long time so he's very positive. He'll need to play some football before the Tri-Nations."

Team: Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear, Conrad Smith, Tana Umaga (captain), Sitiveni Sivivatu, Leon MacDonald, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Derren Witcombe, Campbell Johnstone, James Ryan, Sione Lauaki, Justin Marshall, Luke McAlister, Doug Howlett.

- NZPA