Lions Tour: The All Blacks have called up North Harbour's Luke McAlister in the absence of the injured Aaron Mauger, and have also brought hooker Corey Flynn into camp as a precaution after Derren Witcombe picked up a knee strain on Saturday night.
"Luke is a midfield back who also covers 10 and can kick goals," said coach Graham Henry. "He has been in good form with the Junior All Blacks who beat Australia A on Friday night."
Meanwhile, Henry said Witcombe, who strained a medial collateral ligament in the second Test, will undergo further medical assessment this week. "We have to wait for a definitive word on Derren's availability, and Corey's presence is insurance for the squad in case Derren's knee is no good."
The All Blacks coaches will wait to see how prop Carl Hayman recovers from an infected toe. A decision will be made later in the week on whether additional cover at prop is called in to the All Blacks camp.
The All Blacks team for the third Test will be named tomorrow. Meanwhile, the second last match of the tour takes place today against Auckland in Eden Park.
AUCKLAND: B Ward; I Nacewa, B Atiga/G Williams, S Tuitopou, J Rokocoko/T Koonwaiyou; T Lavea, S Devine; S Taumoepeau/C Heard, S Telefoni, J Afoa, B Mika, B Williams, J Collins (capt), D Braid, A MacDonald. Replacements: J Fonokalafi, C Heard/N White, K Haiu, J Kaino, T Moa, I Toe'ava, G Williams/B Atiga.
LIONS: G Murphy (Ireland); M Cueto (England), W Greenwood (England), G D'Arcy (Ireland), D Hickie (Ireland); C Hodgson (England), M Dawson (England); G Rowntree (England), G Bulloch (Scotland, capt), J Hayes (Ireland), S Shaw (England), B Kay (England), J White (Scotland), M Williams (Wales), M Owen (Wales). Replacements: A Titterrell (England), M Stevens (England), B Cockbain (Wales), M Corry (England), C Cusiter (Scotland), R O'Gara (Ireland), S Horgan (Ireland).
Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand).
Head-to-head record: Played 14, Auckland 6 wins, 1 Draw, Lions 7 wins.
