All Blacks: Toeava called in for MacDonald

Isaia Toeava will join the starting line-up for the All Blacks when they play South Africa in Durban later this month. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland utility back Isaia Toeava has been called into the All Blacks squad for the Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa.

Toeava joins the squad as a replacement for injured fullback Leon MacDonald, who continues to battle another bout of concussion.

The team leave on Friday for Durban where they will play the Springboks on August 24 (NZT).

Toeava, 22, has played 15 tests, but had been unwanted this season.

"He's also got the ability to play elsewhere in the backline which is helpful when we are a long way from home," coach Graham Henry said.

The latest incident of concussion forced MacDonald out of the team who beat Australia 39-10 in Auckland last Saturday.

His condition continues to be monitored and All Blacks management do not want to rush him back until they are certain he is 100 per cent right.

"Leon is improving, but the medical advice is to take things slowly," Henry said.

"He'll gradually get back into exercise and then training and then may look to play an Air NZ Cup match (for Canterbury)."

MacDonald will not be the only player missing when the New Zealanders leave for South Africa.

Also staying at home will be wing Rudi Wulf, because the selectors have opted to include three halfbacks in the 26-man squad.

That means Piri Weepu will fly out with the team on Friday after playing for Wellington against Air NZ Cup rivals North Harbour tomorrow night.

While Wulf sprained a knee playing for North Harbour last weekend, he could be able to resume training this week.

However, Henry said the All Blacks needed to omit a player from the travelling squad, and Wulf's injury question mark tipped the decision.

- NZPA