Mehrtens and Hoeft to play in tsunami match

First five-eighth Andrew Mehrtens and prop Carl Hoeft were today confirmed for the Rugby Aid match at London's Twickenham on March 5.

They join captain Tana Umaga as the three confirmed current or former All Blacks for the International Rugby Board (IRB) match to raise funds for tsunami relief.

They will be part of the Rod Macqueen-coached Southern Hemisphere team which includes Australian captain George Gregan and South African captain John Smit.

Mehrtens, the 70-test veteran who along with Umaga and Hoeft will miss two rounds of Super 12, said it was an incredibly worthy cause and he was excited at the prospect of taking part.

Crusaders Super 12 coach Robbie Deans said while Mehrtens will be sorely missed, he goes with the Crusaders team and management's full support.

"It's a great cause and while we will miss Mehrts, one has to look at the big picture and what this game will do for raising funds for tsunami relief," Deans said in a New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) statement.

Discussions are continuing regarding other New Zealand players who may be selected in the Southern Hemisphere side.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's top whistleblower Paddy O'Brien was today confirmed as referee for the match, with Paul Honiss named as a touch judge.

- NZPA