Uncapped Blues winger Mark Telea has been called up to the All Blacks squad for Saturday's test against Japan as a replacement for Leicester Fainga'anuku.
Mark Telea in action for the Blues Photo: © Copyright Jeremy Ward / www.photosport.nz Photosport Ltd 2022
Fainga'anuku became the latest player to pull out of the squad on Monday, following the withdrawals of Sam Whitelock, Will Jordan and Folau Fakatava.
Jordie, Scott and Beauden Barrett delayed travelling with the squad following a family bereavement and are unlikely to play.
Telea, who had an impressive Super Rugby campaign with the Blues as they reached the final, was also brought into the wider squad as extra cover following an outbreak of COVID-19 in the camp ahead of three July tests against Ireland.
The test against Japan is the first in a four-match tour of the northern hemisphere, which also sees the New Zealanders travel to Europe to face Wales, Scotland and England.
Assistant coach Scott McLeod said he wouldn't disclose why the two-Test Crusaders outside back had left the squad on Monday because there were family reasons behind it.
The All Blacks were already without six players for the start of their preparation for Saturday's test because of injuries and family bereavements which had forced them to introduce four players from the All Blacks XV squad.
McLeod said veteran lock Sam Whitelock was a possibility to join the tourists later this week as he made progress in his recovery from an inner ear complaint.
Winger Will Jordan, struggling with the same condition, wasn't as advanced in his recovery and will be a "longer range" prospect to play when the tour reaches Europe for matches against Wales, Scotland and England, McLeod said.
He said the three Barrett brothers hadn't been ruled out contention for the Tokyo test, even though they will arrive late after attending the funeral of their grandmother.
"It's been a crazy few days in terms of players coming and going, but we just deal with what's in front of us," McLeod said.
"We've got an outstanding group that's here and all very keen."
Meanwhile Wales coach Wayne Pivac is hopeful of having a number of players back from injury to face the All Blacks in Cardiff on Nov. 5 but will be without hooker Dewi Lake for the entire autumn international series.
Pivac named loose-forward Justin Tipuric as his captain in the absence of injured flyhalf Dan Biggar for the internationals next month, which also include clashes against Argentina, Georgia and Australia on successive Saturdays.
Pivac says he hopes to have Taulupe Faletau, Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert and Gareth Anscombe all available.
After Wales the All Blacks play Scotland and England.
