Injuries force All Blacks to shuffle squad

New Zealand have called up North Harbour’s Luke McAlister and hooker Corey Flynn into camp for the third and final test against the British and Irish Lions.

New Zealand have called up North Harbour’s Luke McAlister to replace the injured Aaron Mauger and have also brought hooker Corey Flynn into camp as a precaution after Derren Witcombe picked up a knee strain in Saturday’s 48-18 win over the British and Irish Lions.

“Luke is a midfield back who also covers 10 and can kick goals,” said All Blacks coach Graham Henry. “He has been in good form with the Junior All Blacks who beat Australia ‘A’ on Friday night.”

Witcombe strained a medial collateral ligament and will undergo further medical assessment this week.

“We have to wait for a definitive word on Derren’s availability, and Corey’s presence is insurance for the squad in case Derren’s knee is no good.”

Mauger was ruled out of the remaining match in the Lions series on Sunday after suffering a hamstring strain in Saturday’s match.

Man of the match, fly-half Dan Carter, will also miss the third Test at Auckland’s Eden Park because of a shoulder injury.

The All Blacks coaches are also waiting to see if Carl Hayman recovers from an infected toe that ruled him out of the second Test. Henry will name his team on Wednesday.