Rugby: Carter back in All Blacks

Dan Carter is back in the All Blacks after proving his fitness in the Air NZ Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Dan Carter has been recalled to the All Blacks squad for the remainder of their Tri-Nations campaign.

The first five-eighth has played a club game and two rounds of the Air NZ Cup since returning to rugby following his Achilles injury, and All Blacks coach Graham Henry said Carter was keen to rejoin the national side.

"He is a key member of the All Blacks, has recovered well from his injury and has made a great return to rugby so now is the right time to bring him back into the squad," Henry said.

Carter will also be available for Canterbury's third round Air NZ Cup match against Waikato on Friday.

Meanwhile, Otago lock Tom Donnelly has also been called into the squad, providing cover for Bryn Evans, who is under an injury cloud.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said Evans had reported pain in his back and leg following Thursday's training, and had to withdraw from the Hawke's Bay team for their Air NZ Cup match against Wellington on Saturday.

"Bryn will be having a scan today so we can see what the long-term prognosis will be," Robinson said.

The All Blacks will come together for a one-day training camp in Auckland on Wednesday before assembling in Sydney on Sunday to prepare for the Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia on August 22.

Wellington's Tamati Ellison, who has been with the squad as cover, will also attend the Auckland camp together with Isaia Toeava, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot.

The 26-strong squad for Sydney is to be finalised on Saturday.

- NZPA