HONG KONG - Fullback Mils Muliaina has pulled out of Bledisloe Cup rugby test against Australia here, the All Blacks most experienced back instead opting to stay at home to be with his new baby son.
Muliaina had been expected to arrive in Hong Kong from Auckland thismorning but All Blacks management confirmed the 65-test veteran had instead remained in New Zealand.
His place will be taken by Auckland utility Isaia Toeava while uncapped Wellington fullback Cory Jane comes on to the reserves bench.
Muliaina became a father for the first time on Tuesday when his wife Hayley gave birth to Max, hours after the All Blacks arrived in Hong Kong for their first test against the Wallabies on neutral ground since the 1991 World Cup.
He would have had little preparation time for the test, with the All Blacks' last major training run starting four hours after he was scheduled to arrive.
Jane is the second new cap named in the side for the fourth and final Bledisloe Cup test of the season, following the inclusion of Wellington teammate Hosea Gear on the right wing when the team were named on Tuesday.
Revised All Black team Isaia Toeava, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Daniel Carter, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Jimy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Greg Somerville, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu, Corey Jane.
