MELBOURNE - The All Blacks lose next to nothing by lining up with Leon MacDonald at centre rather than Tana Umaga for tomorrow night's Rugby World Cup semifinal against Australia, coaching co-ordinator Robbie Deans says.
With Umaga not regarded as "sharp" enough to return after a month's recovery from a kneeinjury, the New Zealand selectors have persisted with usual fullback MacDonald, who will run onto Sydney's Telstra Stadium to play his fourth consecutive test in the No 13 jersey.
Deans was happy with how the 25-year-old had settled in the role and that the All Blacks' back play had not needed tweaking.
He said MacDonald and Umaga had evolved to be essentially the same type of player although "they've got very different haircuts".
"Leon's had more experience in the pivot role and from the back. He may see different things in the game," Deans said.
"Tana's experience has been from the outside, he's got a real physical presence and (is) a challenge to the defensive line. He has developed those pivot skills and Leon has developed a physical presence. So there's not a lot between them, you're splitting hairs really."
Australian centre Stirling Mortlock told journalists this week that the relatively new midfield combination of MacDonald and Aaron Mauger could be a potential defensive weakness.
Deans said Umaga had played a key role in helping the pair meld. The 53-test veteran was an inspirational figure to all the players and his presence was proving invaluable.
"He's been around for a long time and with that comes a lot of respect," Deans said.
"He's been there, chipping away in the background. He's part of the so-called back seat crew in terms of senior members of the group. He has been contributing off the field with just a word in the ear and helping with a bit of their strategy or morale.
"He's been good to have around. It's been a difficult period for him."
