Lions Tour: Goodhue a shot at an All Blacks debut

Kawakawa's Jack Goodhue has been brought into the All Blacks full squad ahead of the second British & Irish Lions test. Photo/Photosport.nz

The rise and rise of Northland centre Jack Goodhue continues its trajectory towards an All Blacks jersey.

After initially being named as injury cover for the British & Lions series, Goodhue has been brought in as a fully fledged squad member.

With Ryan Crotty hamstrung, yet another cruel blow to Goodhue's Crusaders midfield partner, the Northlander adds to the All Blacks midfield conundrum.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said it was the logical decision to keep him in camp, considering he was already there.

"Crotty did a hamstring, right hamstring. He could be two weeks, he could be four weeks, so Jack Goodhue, who's here, will stay," Hansen said.

Anton Lienert-Brown will likely be brought back into the starting lineup to reunite with Sonny Bill Williams, but that leaves a bench role to be filled.

Chiefs fullback Damian McKenzie has also been added to the squad after Ben Smith suffered his third concussion in 2017, a worrying sign.

Hansen said they would treat Smith's injury as they would for any other similar injury.

"Bender obviously last night failed the concussion test so he is under protocol and Damian McKenzie is going to come in," revealed Hansen.

"It is like any concussion. Until such time as he goes through all the protocols and passes them then he is not going to be available.

"It is day one and he is still to do anything in regard to testing. It is not the sort of thing you rush into. We will give him a few days and then do some stuff with him.

Smith's history did heighten concern, he said. "Obviously there is something going on there that is not quite right so we need to find out what that is."

As for the make-up of the All Blacks backline for the vital second test, nothing is clear yet.

There are plenty of options to fill the holes left by Crotty and Smith.

The midfield pairing of Lienert-Brown and Williams seems to be a lock, but the back-up position is up for grabs.

There are several contenders for the fullback jersey.

Israel Dagg could shift from the right wing to accommodate either Waisake Naholo or Julian Savea, but his sublime performance could see Hansen reluctant to move him.

Should that be the case, Beauden Barrett could move there, which would likely bring Aaron Cruden into the starting 15.

The other options at the back are Jordie Barrett and McKenzie.

However that starting 15 is made up, there needs to be cover on the bench.

Hansen loves versatility on his bench, which could play into Goodhue's wheelhouse. His ability as a distributor could give him the bench berth over the direct-running Ngani Laumape.

The match-day 23 will be named on Thursday.