Rubgy:Stephen Donald has been left out of an All Blacks training camp for players not involved in the Super rugby play-offs on Wednesday, a major blow to the outhalf's hopes of making New Zealand's World Cup squad.
Donald, 27, has won 22 test caps since his All Blacks debut against England in 2008 and was expected to be in the running to make the squad for the tournament as back-up to Dan Carter.
"We just think other people are playing better right now," All Blacks coach Graham Henry explained. "I talked to him about that yesterday and unless we have injuries, he's not likely to be involved."
In addition to 22 players from Donald's Waikato Chiefs, the Wellington Hurricanes and Otago Highlanders, injured All Blacks Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava and Tony Woodcock will take part in the Wellington camp next week.
Outhalfs Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade are included, while Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister, who have also stood in for Carter, are still involved in the Auckland Blues' play-off campaign.
