All Blacks: Carter returns, Weepu ruled out

Dan Carter has been included in the All Blacks squad to play Australia on Saturday. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Daniel Carter has been recalled and Piri Weepu ruled out with injury as the All Blacks travel to Sydney today for next Saturday's Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup rugby test against Australia in Sydney.

Star first five-eighth Carter was predictably named in the 26-man squad today to play his first test of 2009 after safely negotiating two matches for Canterbury following a six-month layoff after rupturing his achilles tendon.

But there was bad news for halfback Weepu who rolled an ankle at training in Auckland last week and was ruled out.

The injury wasn't thought to be serious but was enough for the All Blacks coaches to leave Weepu at home, with Jimmy Cowan and Brendon Leonard the two halfbacks for the trip.

Utility Tamati Ellison was included as backline cover, while prop Neemia Tialata was omitted after playing for Wellington B yesterday.

All other squad members who played for their provinces at the weekend emerged unscathed and were cleared to travel to Sydney.

The All Blacks train in Sydney tomorrow and name their starting 15 on Tuesday, as do the Wallabies.

All Blacks squad
John Afoa, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Wyatt Crockett, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Jason Eaton, Tamati Ellison, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAlister, Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Josevata Rokocoko, Isaac Ross, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Rodney So'oialo, Brad Thorn and Tony Woodcock.

- NZPA