Canterbury lock Dominic Bird has been called into the All Blacks’ squad ahead of their Test against Scotland while Brodie Retallick and Conrad Smith are ruled out of contention.
Bird is injury cover for Retallick, who damaged his AC shoulder joint and was forced off at halftime in Saturday’s 24-21 win over England at Twickenham.
Veteran centre Smith left London for New Zealand on Sunday to attend to a family matter.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says he expects Smith to return for the final Test of the tour against Wales on November 22.
“It’s not overly serious, but serious enough for him to have to go home,” Hansen said.
“Everyone’s healthy, which is great, but it’s a personal matter so we can’t answer any questions on it.”
Retallick is ruled out this week, but is expected to be fit to face the Welsh.
Bird, 23, whose only Test was against Japan last year, is unlikely to play at Murrayfield as the All Blacks are well stocked at lock.
Retallick and Sam Whitelock started against England while Patrick Tuipulotu and Jeremy Thrush ran out against the United States in Chicago a week earlier.
Also on tour is Luke Romano, who Hansen says is fit for selection this week.
The last of Romano’s 16 Tests was a year ago, before he broke his ankle playing Super Rugby for the Crusaders in May.
Hansen says openside flanker Sam Cane is available to face the Scots, having been ruled out of the England Test due to back spasms at training last week.
