Selectors back experience at first five

Conrad Smith.

The All Black selectors have no qualms about giving Leon MacDonald the dual obligation of running the backline and kicking goals on Saturday.

But the endorsement of his ability to handle the first five-eighths role did not really stretch beyond the final international of the Lions series.

MacDonald's selection to replace the injured Daniel Carter is a tribute to his versatility and ability to hit the top notes again after a season playing low-register rugby in Japan.

Had Saturday been a World Cup final, Carter would have ignored the pain of his bruised shoulder but with the series win achieved, it was best to get him right for the Tri-Nations.

To suggest MacDonald is any more than a stopgap five-eighths may be pushing the boundaries but he does have the stage on Saturday to alter that judgment.

The 27-year-old, who played five matches at centre in the 2003 World Cup and 23 tests at fullback, was the nominated five-eighths cover with Aaron Mauger before the series against the Lions.

With both Carter and Mauger unavailable this week after being injured in the 48-18 victory in Wellington, the national panel decided to check out that notion rather than pick someone else.

Andrew Mehrtens would have been a sentimental choice but no solution for the future, Nick Evans and Stephen Donald were those faces but needed more matches, while someone like Luke McAlister offered great cover from the bench.

A lack of conviction that the youngsters were ready to run a test backline helped push MacDonald to the forefront of selection.

However, he has a groin strain, and Evans joined the All Black squad last night as cover.

"We see him [MacDonald] as a similar style player to Daniel Carter," backline coach Wayne Smith said.

"That is, he is physically strong, he is a good defender, he brings the line up fast, he is very capable in attack and he is a good runner. So it gives us a similar sort of player.

"As an out and out first five he hasn't played there a lot in the last six months but he has come from a season in Japan where he was a first five and goalkicker and also played there a lot for the Crusaders."

MacDonald was the right man for the final Lions test this weekend; he was the person to run the match and apply the game plan for the All Blacks.

He had been the premier goalkicker at the last World Cup and in the last month had refined those techniques with kicking coach Mick Byrne.

The other change in the All Blacks XV has Conrad Smith moving into centre with captain Tana Umaga sliding into second five-eighths to replace Mauger.

New faces in the reserves are James Ryan replacing Jono Gibbes, the uncapped McAlister into MacDonald's berth and Doug Howlett in for Ma'a Nonu.

Carl Hayman and Anton Oliver were unavailable because of injury.

There had been serious thought given to starting Justin Marshall ahead of Byron Kelleher, a decision which coach Graham Henry described as the "most difficult" choice for Saturday.

Eventually it was decided it would be better for Marshall to finish the game and, if the result went the way of the All Blacks, enjoy the accolades before he took up his contract with Leeds.

In explaining Smith's reintroduction, Henry said Umaga was always first choice in the All Black midfield at either second five or centre.

The panel thought Umaga best served the team at centre and when picked there he needed a ball-playing, kicking team-mate like Mauger to assist him.

When Umaga switched to second five, Smith or Mils Muliaina answered the need for a centre who could distribute and ignite the back three.

The Lions will announce their side today but last night five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson and Gavin Henson were ruled out with injuries. Captain Gareth Thomas (virus) and loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins (ankle) were also doubtful starters.

Welshman Stephen Jones will now reclaim the No 10 jersey after being dropped for the second test, with Ireland's Gordon D'Arcy a likely No 12 on process of elimination.

- additional reporting NZPA