All Blacks announce team to play Canada:

Lock Ross Filipo will make his All Blacks debut after being called in to the squad on Sunday. His call-up and that of fellow lock Greg Rawlinson follows injuries to Keith Robinson and Ali Williams. Prop John Schwalger will also debut against the Maple Leafs.

Meanwhile wing Rico Gear has joined the All Blacks and Ma’a Nonu has been released to join the Junior All Blacks in Dunedin. The return of Gear, who has played in 17 Tests for the All Blacks, is prompted by impending paternity leave for wing Doug Howlett, who will not travel to South Africa.

Similarly, lock Chris Jack is unavailable for the Iveco Series Test against Canada or the Philips Tri Nations opener in Durban because of paternity leave.

“The guys need to put their families first,” noted All Blacks coach Graham Henry, ”and we support their decision to be with their partners. Ross will start this weekend’s Test and Rico has plenty of experience in our environment. So they will be up to speed before we start the Philips Tri Nations.”

“We’ve got some new combinations for the Test in Hamilton which is a chance to further our depth and options, and gives us something of a fresh challenge.”

The team is:

Mils Muliaina
Doug Howlett
Conrad Smith / Luke McAlister
Aaron Mauger
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Dan Carter
Byron Kelleher
Jerry Collins
Chris Masoe
Reuben Thorne (c)
Ross Filipo
Troy Flavell
Neemia Tialata
Andrew Hore
John Schwalger

Reserves:

Keven Mealamu
Carl Hayman
Rodney So’oialo
Richie McCaw
Piri Weepu
Luke McAlister / Rico Gear
Leon MacDonald