KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks selectors are patting themselves on the backs for having the foresight to include Nick Evans in their first squad of the year.
The early-season ankle injury to Daniel Carter had the potential to leave the All Blacks scrambling for cover if, as the selectors had
considered, they didn't name a specialist backup at first five-eighths.
"We did discuss whether we needed a specialist 10 and after considerable discussion we decided it was important," coach Graham Henry said.
"That's why we selected an additional 10 apart from Daniel.
"Nick came through last week and he's trained particularly well. Enjoying the environment, I think."
Evans had a wretched November tour to Europe, injuring his hamstring before he was due to start the opening test against England and being sidelined for all but the last few minutes of the final test.
He impressed in that small window, opening up the Welsh defence to create a try. He looked in fine touch for 70 minutes in the 42-11 defeat of France in Auckland last Saturday and got the callup on Thursday to take Carter's starting berth in tonight's clash at Westpac Stadium.
Another strong showing could mean there is no conjecture whatsoever over his place in the World Cup squad named in six weeks. "Like everybody else, he [Evans] has got some challenges in his game. There are areas to work on and he's fully aware of that," Henry said.
Meanwhile, the coach hadn't ruled out a return for centre Conrad Smith in next week's test against Canada in Hamilton, hopeful his hamstring would heal in time.
Smith was removed from the bench after aggravating the niggling strain and Henry admitted the stylish Wellington back's misfortune had left a bitter taste.
"He's had a bad run with broken legs and a serious eye injury. Now a persistent hamstring, so it's really frustrating for him," he said.
"He's a top footballer, I think he was our best centre on tour last year. A very good distributor, a top team man, so it's difficult.
"We're praying that he'll come right and there are some good signs. Hopefully we can get him on the track next week."
Isaia Toeava has been in sharp form this year while Mils Muliaina is equally at home at fullback or centre, but Henry said a specialist and experienced No 13 would be important at the World Cup.
- NZPA