All Blacks recall Howlett

2005-08-22 10:49

Wellington - Winger Doug Howlett has been recalled to the All Black squad for Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby Test against South Africa at Dunedin.

Howlett will replace Sitiveni Sivivatu, who has a knee injury.

New Zealand will name its team for the match on Tuesday with most interest surrounding the selection of a flyhalf to replace Daniel Carter, who broke his leg during the All Blacks' 30-13 win over Australia in Sydney.

One-Test novice Luke McAlister and fullback Leon MacDonald are the leading contenders for the role.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said Sivivatu had aggravated a knee injury suffered in South Africa prior to New Zealand's 22-16 loss to the Springboks three weeks ago. Howlett, a veteran of 47 tests, was an obvious replacement.

Reaction

"Doug is a top-class player. His reaction to not being selected initially for the Tri-Nations has been exceptionally professional on and off the field," Henry said.

Injury concerns surround halfback Byron Kelleher, who suffered a concussion during the first-round match against the Springboks at Cape Town. Kevin Senio remains with the All Blacks squad as Kelleher's likely replacement.

South Africa's coach Jake White, meanwhile, called in lock Danie Rossouw and prop Lawrence Sephaka on Monday to join his squad as injury cover ahead of the Dunedin match.

Sephaka comes in after replacement prop Gurthro Steenkamp returned home with a fractured hand, suffered against the Wallabies in the Springboks' 22-19 win at Perth on Saturday.

Rossouw will come into the side for replacement flanker Pedrie Wannenburg, who was forced home because of a lower back injury.

- SAPA