That article is a bit more sensational than the NZ coverage of it. Basically how its portrayed down here is MacDonald having had so much head coach experience now realising that he's not fitting in with the team as well as they would have liked. The Crusader's management are well known for early and up front feedback on how things are working - so its likely been brewing for a few weeks or more.
If anything the ABs could stand to drop another of the assistant's yet, they've looked a little guilty of too many cooks and too much clutter in the first 4 tests this year.