Howlett called back for action against South Africa

Veteran All Black wing Doug Howlett has been recalled to the All Black squad, as they prepare to play the Springboks at Carisbrook in Dunedin on Saturday, a match which will probably decide the winner of the Tri-Nations.

Howlett, who has played 47 Tests for New Zealand, replaces Sitiveni Sivivatu who has a knee injury.

Graham Henry, the All Black coach, said: "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."

Sivivatu is close to return from a knee injury picked up during training in South Africa, but Henry wants him to prove his fitness by playing at provincial level before he comes back into the Test environment.

Howlett is the only change to the 26-man All Black squad.

The All Blacks have 26 players in their squad, with Sivivatu and fly-half Dan Carter absent due to injury.

"We are happy with our options at 10," noted Henry.

Scrumhalf Kevin Senio stays with the squad as cover for the injured Byron Kelleher, who is recovering from concussion. Kelleher is also with the squad, but his availability is subject to further medical assessment.




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