KEY POINTS:
Southland's strong performance in this year's Air New Zealand Cup appears to have helped its captain push for higher honours.
Jamie Mackintosh has been called up to the All Blacks' wider training squad this week ahead of the end-of-year tour.
The prop forward had an impressive season for the Southerners, culminating in Southland's first ever semifinal appearance.
Co-coach David Henderson says Mackintosh has the potential to be a big success at international level as he is extremely focused and has a very astute rugby brain.
Henderson believes Mackintosh is ready to make the step up and it could be the start of greater things for the Stags' captain.
Mackintosh joins Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam and Scott Waldrom as the new faces in the 25-man squad to play against the New Zealand Barbarians in Auckland on Wednesday.
Jason Eaton and Joe Rokocoko have also been handed a chance to make a return to international rugby after injury lay-offs.
Wellington and Canterbury players have not been considered for the squad due to their involvement in this weekend's Air New Zealand Cup final.
The All Blacks squad to tour Hong Kong, the UK and Ireland will be named at 9am on Sunday.
All Blacks training squad
John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Jason Eaton, Ben Franks, Andrew Hore, Richard Kahui, Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer, Sione Lauaki, Jamie Mackintosh, Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Mils Muliaina, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Isaia Toeava, Anthony Tuitavake, Scott Waldrom, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf.
- NEWSTALK ZB
