Injury and illness have forced two changes to the All Blacks trial teams, the Rugby Union said today.
Probables captain Tana Umaga is sick with a flu and will be rested for the fixture. Umaga's absence gives Seilala Mapusua the chance to start at second five-eighth for the Probables, andTane Tu'ipulotu moves on to the Probables' bench.
Meanwhile, lock Ross Kennedy is ruled out of the Possibles team by a knee injury and Tom Donnelly starts instead. Kennedy played with a meniscal tear through much of the Sport Super 12 and has now opted for surgery. The Possibles bench place goes to Bryce Williams who missed the Super 12 season due to shoulder reconstruction.
"We want Tana healthy, that's the most important thing," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry. "He's got this 'bot' and resting him is the sensible thing to do."
A start for Seilala will also allow the selectors to further assess the different midfield combinations and options available to the All Blacks and Junior All Blacks, noted Henry. A new captain for the Probables will be named next week.
"We also understand and support Ross Kennedy's decision to have surgery sooner rather than later," said Henry. "If he has the operation now, there's a good chance he will be available for Wellington's match against the Lions."
The Probables play the Possibles at McLean Park, Napier on the evening of Friday, June 3. The All Blacks squad to play Fiji will be announced the following day.
* TEAMS
Probables
Tony Woodcock Derren Witcombe Campbell Johnstone James Ryan Ali Williams Sione Lauaki Craig Newby Steven Bates Byron Kelleher Nick Evans Sitiveni Sivivatu Seilala Mapusua Mils Muliaina Doug Howlett Sosene Anesi
Probables Reserves
Keven Mealamu Clarke Dermody Bradley Mika Rodney So'oialo Jimmy Cowan Andrew Mehrtens Tane Tu'ipulotu Possibles
Saimone Taumoepeau Andrew Hore (Captain) John Afoa Tom Donnelly Kevin O'Neill Chris Masoe Josh Blackie Nick Williams Steve Devine Stephen Donald Brent Ward Ma'a Nonu Conrad Smith Scott Hamilton Ben Atiga
Possibles Reserves
Tone Kopelani Carl Hoeft Bryce Williams Jerry Collins Jamie Nutbrown Jimmy Gopperth Casey Laulala
