Tamati Ellison’s chances of making the New Zealand squad for the upcoming end of year tour have been given a big boost following Isaia Toeava’s latest stress fracture injury.

Dan Carter has been called into the New Zealand squad for the remainder of the team's Tri-Nations campaign.

WELLINGTON prop Jacob Ellison looks set for a long spell on the sidelines after dislocating his elbow during Friday’s 64-7 win against Counties-Manukau.

Ireland A coach Michael Bradley has warned England A they must be ruthless if they are to have any hope of toppling the New Zealand Maori in Saturday’s Churchill Cup final.

IRELAND A’S hopes of making the Churchill Cup final were left in tatters as the New Zealand Maori ran in seven tries in a one-sided contest at Sandy Park.

Ireland A 22 New Zealand Maori 50

IRELAND A coach Michael Bradley has upped the ante ahead of tonight’s Churchill Cup clash with New Zealand Maori (8pm, Sky Sports 1) by revealing a number of his players are in the mix for World Cup selection.

Crusaders centre Rua Tipoki will lead the New Zealand Maori in their Churchill Cup defence this month.

Eleven current or former All Blacks including Carlos Spencer have been named in the New Zealand Maori squad for matches against Fiji and the British and Irish Lions next month.

Ireland's Rugby World Cup Sevens campaign got off to a disappointing start as they were overturned by Pool A rivals USA in Hong Kong.