All Blacks: Moa replaces injured Ellis in touring squad

Taniela Moa (right) in action for the Blues against the Stormers in the Super 14. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Auckland halfback Taniela Moa will join the All Blacks squad in South Africa as a replacement for Andy Ellis who has aggravated his rib injury.

Moa is set to play for Auckland against Taranaki in the Air NZ Cup on Sunday before flying to Cape Town next week.

Halfbacks Jimmy Cowan and Piri Weepu are already part of the All Blacks 26-man travelling squad.

A team spokesman said today that Ellis' ribs, first injured during the Tri-Nations test in Sydney two weeks ago, were aggravated in training this week.

The 10-test All Black was ruled out of selection after medical assessment when the team assembled last night.

Earlier yesterday coach Graham Henry said that both Ellis and Cowan were "in good shape". Both were injured in the defeat to the Wallabies in Sydney on July 26.

Ellis missed the return test in Auckland, but Cowan overcame his knee injury to start and produce a star performance.

The All Blacks left Auckland early today for their test against the Springboks in Cape Town on August 17 (NZT).

- NZPA