The All Blacks' back coach Wayne Smith has defended the way team management dealt with the head injury that's ruled Leon MacDonald out of Saturday night's Test against Australia in Auckland.
After saying MacDonald had leg and arm injuries, the coaches disclosed yesterday he was still recovering from the head knock he took late in the loss to the Springboks in Dunedin.
MacDonald's been plagued with head injuries throughout his 57-test career and Smith says the fullback has long term concerns to think over with his family.
If MacDonald decides he can't risk going to South Africa, the Highlanders fullback Paul Williams could be in for a return to the All Blacks squad after joining it as cover before the Tests against England.
