Returning All Blacks fly-half Daniel Carter has been named in Graham Henry's squad for the Bledisloe Cup match against Australia.
Returning fly-half confirmed in 26-man All Blacks squad
Daniel Carter's renewed occupation of the All Blacks' number 10 jersey has moved one step closer after he was confirmed as a member of Graham Henry's 26-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup match against Australia in Sydney next weekend.
Having made a comeback in the provincial game after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Carter had already been guaranteed a place in New Zealand's squad for the remainder of the Tri-Nations tournament.
However, he could be in line for an immediate international return after kicking 19 points for Canterbury in their 46-13 Air New Zealand Cup win against Waikato in Christchurch on Friday.
Henry names his starting XV on Tuesday with Carter's deputy at fly-half, Stephen Donald, undoubtedly feeling the pressure after mixed performances in his absence.
The coach's patience with under-performing Neemia Tialata appears to have run out though with the big front-rower dropped in favour of Wyatt Crockett, who did not make the trip to South Africa.
Piri Weepu has also been ruled out after rolling his ankle during the one-day training camp in Auckland on Wednesday.
However, wing Hosea Gear, who did not feature for the Tests in South Africa, has again missed out with Henry persisting with Joe Rokocoko.
Gear's Wellington team-mate utility back Tamati Ellison remains with the group as cover for the injured Isaia Toeava.
New Zealand squad: Forwards - Richie McCaw (capt), John Afoa, Wyatt Crockett, Aled de Malmanche, Jason Eaton, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Rodney So'oialo, Brad Thorn, Tony Woodcock.
Backs - Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Cory Jane, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAlister, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison.
