The All Blacks have called up Hurricanes hooker Ricky Riccitelli ahead of the third and final test against France in Dunedin.
He's been brought in as cover for Nathan Harris, who is heading home for the birth of his first child.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is confident Riccitelli's previous time in camp with the All Blacks should see him make a smooth transition.
"He's a good scrummager and he's good around the park and he's been with us before and understands a little bit about what we're about," he said.
"His throwing is something like all throwers you need a combination and timing with people."
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Highlanders lock and loose forward Jackson Hemopo has also been brought in after Vaea Fifita suffered a concussion in the second test and will not travel to Dunedin.
Beauden Barrett is also battling a concussion and will not make the trip, while Liam Squire has a shoulder injury.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen has refused to completely rule Barrett out of the third test, but won't rush his recovery.
"With the concussion thing we will wait and see, there's no point putting him under extra pressure of the travel when he can stay at home and rest and come down tomorrow or not come down at all," he said.
Should Barrett miss the test, Damian McKenzie is expected to be named at first-five after an extended run in the second test.
Hansen has thrown his support behind McKenzie and hopes to see a better foundation laid by the forwards in Dunedin.
"It's not so much I’d like to see from Damian, I'd like to see to a platform that he could then work off," he said.
"It would be very easy to blame Damian for what was a poor performance from the whole team and that's not the case."
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