Rugby: Tuipulotu locks himself into position

Patrick Tuipulotu

Promising lock Patrick Tuipulotu has played his way back into the travelling All Black squad for the final test against the Wallabies.

The 21-year-old was sent to hone his fitness in the last few weeks of the ITM Cup with Auckland and his performances have returned him to the squad for next Saturday's test in Brisbane.

Tuipulotu has edged out Canterbury's Dominic Bird to travel with Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Jeremy Thrush as locks and to push his case for inclusion on the end-of- year tour to the United States and Europe.

Another to have gained from strong work in the ITM Cup is Counties halfback Augustine Pulu who is an injury replacement for Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

Pulu, 24, slots in for his Chiefs teammate who suffered a serious knee injury in the test against the Springboks in Johannesburg last weekend.

"The selectors have been watching Augustine for a while," All Black coach Steve Hansen said. "He is an exciting young player and we think the next obvious choice at halfback. We would like to congratulate him on his selection and we are looking forward to working with him."

Pulu made his Chiefs debut in 2012, was named Counties player of the year last season and was a key man in the union's successful attempt to claim the Ranfurly Shield for the first time. Five eighths Aaron Cruden returns to the squad after he broke team rules and was left out of the squad which travelled to Argentina and South Africa.

Daniel Carter is not so fortunate in his attempts to return. He is still favouring his leg and the selectors want him to train and recover fully here in a bid to turn out for Canterbury in the latter stages of the ITM tournament. Fullback/wing Ben Smith is on a month's leave and a special fitness plan designed to have him ready for the end-of-year tour.

All Black squad: Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, TJ Perenara, Augustine Pulu, Aaron Smith, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea.