All Blacks: Henry retains trio for Tri-Nations finale

All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has retained three players as extra cover for the final two Tri-Nations rugby matches against South Africa and Australia later this month.

Flanker Adam Thomson, his Otago teammate and flanker Tom Donnelly and Canterbury utility back Colin Slade joined yesterday's training camp in Christchurch.

They will stay with the All Blacks squad for the final two home test matches as cover for injuries and to provide additional selection options.

Thomson will provide injury cover in the loose forwards, with Kieran Read recovering from a knock to his knee, while Donnelly will do the same at lock for the injured Bryn Evans.

Slade, a Junior All Black for this year's Pacific championship, will provide cover in the backs because of injuries to Conrad Smith (hamstring), Luke McAlister (cheekbone) and Tamati Ellison (calf).

Neemia Tialata, on the bench for Wellington in their Air NZ Cup match against Counties Manukau tomorrow, will also be available for Wellington the following week against Taranaki. He will then join the All Blacks squad.

The All Blacks assemble in Hamilton on September 6 to prepare for the test against South Africa at Waikato Stadium on September 12. They play Australia in Wellington on September 19 in the final Tri-Nations match.

ALL BLACKS SQUAD:

John Afoa, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Wyatt Crockett, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Tom Donnelly, Jason Eaton, Owen Franks, Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Josevata Rokocoko, Isaac Ross, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Colin Slade, Rodney So'oialo, Adam Thomson, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu and Tony Woodcock.

- NZPA