First-five Harry Plummer and hooker Brodie McAlister have been called into the All Blacks camp, with veterans Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor ruled out of next week's Test against Ireland under concussion protocols.
Both Barrett and Taylor failed head injury assessments during the win over England, and must now stand down a week as part of their recovery, leaving the team short in key positions.
"HIA protocols are a clear 12 days," reflected coach Scott Robertson. "Codie's a world class hooker, in the best 2-3 in the world, and in such good form.
"Beauden slotted straight in and was conducting the game pretty well, so we'll miss him, but they'll be around, giving their little bits of wisdom and preparing the rest of the players."
Plummer has one All Blacks cap to his name, after coming off the bench against Australia in September, while McAlister has yet to play for the national team. Both were already on tour with the All Blacks XV that beat Munster over the weekend.
Against England, Barrett was replaced by Damian McKenzie and Taylor by Asafo Aumua, and that pair will likely claim starting spots against Ireland.
Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor have been ruled out against Ireland. (Source: 1News)
Aumua was forced into action after just five minutes, while McKenzie provided the winning points with a sideline conversion to Mark Tele'a's second try.
"I think Asafo came of age," said Robertson. "He was calm, executed his role with the ball in his hand and defensively.
"It was a great moment for him and he's worked really, really hard to ensure, when he got an opportunity, to take it like that.
"D-Mac, that kick from the sideline was never going to miss, was it? It was so straight, we were right behind it and it's a nice feeling watching it from that angle, actually.
"Both are good examples of good players in good headspace playing good footy."
Their promotions would affect the strength coming off the bench, a key factor in the All Blacks' three wins over England this year. McKenzie has often worn the No.10 jersey during Robertson's maiden campaign as coach, but seemed to find his niche as an impact player later in the contest.
"He's pretty laid back, old D-Mac," said Robertson. "He'll take whatever role is required, he'll come in and serve the team.
"He prepares pretty deeply, like the rest of the boys do, so whatever is required, whether it's off the bench or starting, he'll get in and do the work.
"He's had the keys for a period of time and he's got them back in his hand now."
Barrett and Taylor are expected to be available against France next week.
Ruben Love will also rejoin the squad, after helping the All Blacks XV to victory, while centre Billy Proctor returns home for the birth of his first child.
Loose forward Christian Lio-Willie is also with the All Blacks, covering injuries to Dalton Papali'i and Ethan Blackadder.
SHARE ME