MacDonald unlikely to play
2008-08-27 09:24
Wellington - Injured All Blacks fullback Leon MacDonald is unlikely to play in the next two Tests as he recovers from concussion, coach Graham Henry said on Wednesday.
Henry said team management was unwilling to place the 56-Test veteran at risk after MacDonald was concussed during the All Blacks' 28-30 loss to the Springboks in Dunedin on July 12.
The 30-year-old is expected to miss a Test against Samoa in New Plymouth on Wednesday next week and the Tri-Nations decider against Australia in Brisbane on September 13.
"I think Leon is still struggling," Henry told commercial radio.
"He probably will not be available for the next two Test matches."
MacDonald has suffered a series of concussions since making his first-class debut 11 seasons ago.
- AFP