Tamanivalu and Retallick join All Blacks

The All Blacks face a midfield selection headache for Sunday's test against Italy with George Moala and Ryan Crotty both ruled out of the match, though they've recieved a boost in the locking department with Brodie Retallick back in the fold.

Moala has a serious elbow injury and is heading home, though he doesn't require surgery.

All Blacks second-five Ryan Crotty will miss the next two tests against Italy in Rome and Ireland in Dublin with a hamstring strain he picked up during the historic Chicago defeat.

Crotty should be available for the tour-ending test against France in Paris.

Seta Tamanivalu has been called into the squad as cover and will join the team in Rome having just played for the Barbarians in London.

Malakai Fekitoa and Anton Leinert-Brown are odds on to start in Rome, though Ben Smith is an option with the All Blacks outside back stocks in full health.

The All Blacks had to play Jerome Kaino at lock in yesterday's loss to Ireland, but first-choice starter Retallick has recovered from his head knock and will join the squad in Rome.

It wasn't just the players who were injured in yesterday's historic 40-29 defeat in Chicago, but the All Blacks' pride as well, and Captain Kieran Reid says it'll be good to get another crack at the Irish in Dublin in a fortnight.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT