Brent Ward called in as All Blacks cover

Auckland fullback Brent Ward has been called into the All Blacks rugby squad as injury concerns remain over Leon MacDonald and Piri Weepu.

Coach Graham Henry summoned Ward today as goalkicking cover, in case first five-eighth MacDonald and halfback Weepu were both unable to kick in tomorrow's Tri-Nations test against the Wallabies here.

Neither had yet been ruled out, but were to undergo fitness tests later today.

MacDonald has a hip flexor injury while Weepu has a thigh strain.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith yesterday said Weepu was "pretty certain" of playing, but was non-committal about MacDonald's status.

- NZPA