The All Blacks drafted promising scrum-half Augustine Pulu into the squad for next week’s Test against Australia on Friday to replace the injured Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
The 24-year-old received the call-up following confirmation earlier this week that Kerr-Barlow will be out for up to nine months after tearing a knee ligament in New Zealand’s 27-25 loss to South Africa last Saturday.
With Ben Smith also unavailable as he takes a break ahead of the All Blacks trip to the United States and Europe next month, coach Steve Hansen needed cover in the number nine position.
“The selectors have been watching Augustine for a while, he is an exciting young player and we think the next obvious choice at half-back,” Hansen said.
“We’d like to congratulate him on his selection and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Pulu, who plays his Super 15 rugby with the Waikato Chiefs, is likely to be third choice behind TJ Perenara and Aaron Smith for the scrum-half role in the Test against Australia in Brisbane on October 18.
The Test is the third and final fixture of the Bledisloe Cup series, although New Zealand have already retained the trophy after drawing the first match 12-12 then smashing the Wallabies 51-20 in the second.
New Zealand squad
Forwards: Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read
Backs: TJ Perenara, Augustine Pulu, Aaron Smith, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea