Veteran All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith will link up with the squad for the remainder of their Northern tour.
The 101-test star has answered an SOS call from coach Ian Foster with fellow halfback Brad Weber out of action after suffering a concussion in the comfortable win over Italy last weekend.
Smith, 32, skipped the tour for the arrival of his second child with his wife Teagan but has kept match-fit, making several appearances for Manawatu in the NPC.
"I'm very excited to come back and join the boys," Smith says.
"Two very big games for the lads, which is really exciting to be part of.
"The boys have done well and it was great to be a fan from afar, but deep down knowing I'd love to be there as well.
Since my boy has arrived, Teagan was all for it. It was a pretty short conversation. She was like, 'Go, this is a great opportunity for you'.
"I'm going over with no expectations of playing, but I’ll try to do my best t impact where I can.
"Little Leo is fit and healthy - it was pretty tough this morning at 4.45am this morning, saying my goodbyes, but I'm feeling grateful to Teagan."
The All Blacks play Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday morning before travelling to Paris to take on France next weekend.
Join us at 4am Sunday for live updates of the All Blacks v Ireland test
More to come
