Afoa named to Tri-Nations squad

John Afoa talks to the media after he was named to the All Black team for the Tr-Nations. Picture / Fotopress

Auckland prop John Afoa has bolted into the 26-strong All Blacks squad for the Tri-Nations, at the expense of Canterbury's Campbell Johnstone.

Piri Weepu has also made the cut as a replacement for the departing Justin Marshall, while Joe Rokocoko is back with Doug Howlett dropped.

There are three more changes to the original 26 named for the DHL series against the Lions.

Derren Witcombe has held onto his job as back-up hooker, with Anton Oliver still not fully recovered from a calf injury.

Mose Tuiali'i's battle with injury has cost him a place in the squad, with Marty Holah retained after being called in for the final test last night.

And Ma'a Nonu has also been left out, with Luke McAlister preferred after his performance at Eden Park.

Jono Gibbes has been ruled out with a foot injury.

Backs:
Mils Muliaina (Auckland)
Leon MacDonald (Canterbury)
Rico Gear (Nelson Bays)
Joe Rokocoko (Auckland)
Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato)
Conrad Smith (Wellington)
Tana Umaga (Wellington captain)
Aaron Mauger (Canterbury)
Luke McAlister (Auckland)
Daniel Carter (Canterbury)
Byron Kelleher (Waikato)
Piri Weepu (Wellington)

Forwards:
Sione Lauaki (Waikato)
Rodney So'oialo (Wellington)
Richie McCaw (Canterbury)
Marty Holah (Waikato)
Jerry Collins (Wellington)
Ali Williams (Auckland)
Chris Jack (Canterbury)
James Ryan (Otago)
Carl Hayman (Otago)
John Afoa (Auckland)
Greg Somerville (Canterbury)
Tony Woodcock (Auckland)
Keven Mealamu (Auckland)
Derren Witcombe (Auckland)

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA