Ma'a Nonu could be a surprise casualty from last weekend's 28-19 loss to the Springboks as the All Blacks coaches contemplate changing their midfield for Sunday morning's test at Absa Stadium.

Although the All Blacks did not run their starting team during a light-hearted training at Durban's Glenwood High School overnight (NZ time), there is an inkling Nonu may be replaced by Luke McAlister as the coaches look to pair him with Conrad Smith in the midfield when they release their team tonight. (NZ time)

Second five-eighth Nonu was unable to get his trademark bullocking runs going against the aggressive defence in the Bloemfontein test last weekend and starting McAlister will add another kicking option in general play and he also has the ability beat to an opponent with nifty footwork.