All Blacks: Smith, McAlister out of Tri-Nations

All Blacks Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith both suffered injuries in last week's win over the Wallabies. Photos / Getty Images

Utility Isaia Toeava has been recalled to the All Blacks after midfield backs Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith were ruled out for the rest of the Tri-Nations rugby series.

McAlister fractured his right cheekbone in a heavy tackle while Smith strained his left hamstring during the All Blacks' 19-18 win over Australia in Sydney last Saturday.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson today said McAlister would undergo surgery tomorrow in Auckland.

"He will have several small plates inserted into his face to fix the fractures and, if all goes well, he will be able to return to rugby after four weeks," Robinson said.

She said a scan had revealed that Conrad Smith had suffered a "significant" hamstring strain.

"Conrad will now go on a graduated hamstring rehabilitation programme which will involve slowly getting back into running and then rugby training, and it's anticipated that he will return to rugby in four to six weeks."

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said Toeava, who has recovered from a foot stress fracture, would rejoin the squad.

"It's tough for both Luke and Conrad who both played outstandingly well on the weekend and showed a lot of character before they were injured," he said.

"But they are strong players who will bounce back from their injuries and we look forward to their return to rugby."

The All Blacks will assemble for a one-day training camp in Christchurch next Wednesday before assembling in Hamilton on September 6 ahead of tests against South Africa in Hamilton on September 12 and Australia in Wellington on September 19.

- NZPA