BALI HOLIDAYMAKER CALLED UP TO THE ALLBLACKS // Mon, 30 Nov 09
Waikato hooker Aled de Malmanche has been called up to the New Zealand squad ahead of Saturday’s match with England.
The 25-year-old front rower, who was on holiday in Bali when he received the call-up, joins up with the squad as cover for Corey Flynn.
Flynn suffered a hamstring strain during training in London on Monday and is a doubt for the game at Twickenham.
“We will wait and see how Corey goes this week before making a final decision,” said coach Graham Henry.
“We are hopeful that Corey will recover but, as we have time on our side, we have called in Aled.”
De Malmanche, who made his All Blacks debut coming off the bench against Italy in June, is likely to be named among the replacements for Saturday’s contest.
The likes of Richie McCaw, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Andrew Hore and Mils Muliaina were rested for last weekend’s victory over Italy and are set to be recalled by Henry when he names his team to face England on Wednesday.
Star fly-half Dan Carter is available again after missing the Italy contest because of a one-match ban for a high tackle on Martin Roberts in the game against Wales.
New Zealand go on to play a Test against France in Marseille on 28 November before concluding their tour against the Barbarians at Twickenham on 5 December.