Friday 10 October 2014 12:42, UK
Uncapped scrum-half Augustine Pulu has been called into the New Zealand squad for next week's Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Brisbane.
Pulu replaces the injured Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who has been ruled out for at least six months after tearing knee ligaments in the 27-25 Rugby Championship defeat to South Africa in Johannesburg last weekend.
Pulu's inclusion and the call-up of an extra lock in Patrick Tuipulotu aside, coach Steve Hansen has resisted making wholesale changes to his squad for the dead rubber match at Lang Park.
The All Blacks have already retained the Bledisloe Cup after securing a 51-20 win over Australia at Eden Park in August - the opening match was drawn 12-12.
Winger Ben Smith has been rested after playing every minute of their triumphant Rugby Championship campaign, while fly-half Aaron Cruden returns after missing his country's last two tests for disciplinary reasons.
With Dan Carter still unavailable because of the calf injury he sustained after recovering from a broken leg, Cruden will compete with Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade for the No 10 shirt.
Pulu, who is back-up to Kerr-Barlow with Super Rugby side Waikato Chiefs, has earned his call-up with some impressive performances in New Zealand's provincial championship with Counties Manukau.
"The selectors have been watching Augustine for a while, he is an exciting young player and we think the next obvious choice at halfback," Hansen said.
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: Augustine Pulu, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea.
