Isaia Toeava, whose last All Blacks appearance was in the unsuccessful World Cup quarter-final, has returned to the squad for their next mission in South Africa.
The Auckland utility has been drafted into the 26-strong group because of injuries to fullback Leon MacDonald, wing Rudi Wulf and theselectors' decision to take three halfbacks for the solitary test in Cape Town.
All Black coach Graham Henry watched Toeava play for Auckland in their unsuccessful opening national championship game against Counties Manukau, and was most impressed with his form.
"He was the best Auckland player on the field, he looks good, was strong and quick and played extremely well," the coach said.
Toeava was picked for the All Blacks as a teenager, travelled to Europe in 2005 and made his test debut at fullback against Scotland. The selectors identified Toeava to nurture through to last year's World Cup.
There he started against Portugal on the wing and Romania at centre. He also came from the bench for three other substitute roles and his 15th test appearance.
The 22-year-old missed the All Black cut this season in the group wanted for the internationals against Ireland, England and then the Tri-Nations.
"With Leon not being available we don't have any fullback cover and Isaia has been playing fullback for Auckland. has looked good there, has been an All Black before and knows the environment," Henry said.
"He can also play wing, centre, second, fullback so if we have any problems over there with illness or injury he can slot into any one of those positions."
MacDonald would resume training next week after his concussion and needed time to recover while Wulf had damaged a knee. Wellington halfback Piri Weepu and Harbour outside back Anthony Tuitavake will play in tonight's first division clash at Albany and are scheduled to leave early tomorrow with the All Blacks.
