New Zealand have recalled Hurricanes loose forward Chris Masoe to their squad for the Tri-Nations Tests against South Africa.
O'Neill added to squad as cover
New Zealand have recalled Hurricanes loose forward Chris Masoe to their squad for the Tri-Nations Tests against South Africa in Wellington and Dunedin.
Masoe comes in for All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw, who injured his ankle in New Zealand's 44-12 win over England on June 21 and is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks.
Wellington loose forward Rodney So'oialo will captain the All Blacks in McCaw's absence.
The 29-year-old Masoe has been capped 20 times by the All Blacks - five times at last year's World Cup - since making his debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2005.
"Chris's experience against South Africa and knowledge of our systems mean he's the right choice," New Zealand head coach Graham Henry said.
"But we may want to take a different approach against Australia. We'll look at form and fitness and the team's plan again in a couple of weeks."
Waikato lock Kevin O'Neill has also been addeed to the squad as cover for Ali Williams, who is recovering from a sprained ankle.
"The medical staff are reasonably positive that Ali will be available this weekend, but it is sensible to have extra cover just in case," Henry added.
New Zealand get their Tri-Nations campaign under way on Saturday in Wellington.
