Ardie Savea is ready to slot straight into the All Blacks side, after the birth of his third child, but the make-up of the back row for Saturday's final Rugby Championship test against Australia at Eden Park remains up in the air.
The powerhouse No.8, who was excused from the 39-37 win over Australia at Melbourne, has shared a picture of newborn son Kove Masina-Moon on social media.
Savea will reinforce a back row that was battered and bruised from the Wallabies test, with captain and openside flanker Sam Cane forced off after clashing heads with team-mate David Havili.
"He's fresh here, but he's just had another baby, so I'm sure there's bound to be a couple of sleepless nights - but he's great for us," said forwards coach Jason Ryan.
"He's a real energy-giver. We get a lot of energy off him in our group and having that week off will definitely freshen him up."
While Savea will likely replace Hoskins Sotutu, Cane and Havili may miss Eden Park, as they work through concussion protocols.
Blindside flanker Shannon Frizell, who missed Melbourne with a ribs injury, needs to pass a fitness test.
Frizell's return could mean Scott Barrett reverts to the second row, although Ryan was impressed with the forward's work on the side of the scrum.
"I'd say he's probably our best-performing All Black forward to be honest," he noted. "He's been outstanding in every role."
Unbeaten by Australia at Eden Park since 1986, defending champions New Zealand will seal back-to-back Rugby Championship titles, if they beat the Wallabies on Saturday and Argentina can limit South Africa at Durban.
Reuters
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