3 Jun 2010

Smith and Ranger join All Blacks squad as cover

2:52 pm on 3 June 2010

The Highlanders wing Ben Smith and Blues centre / wing Rene Ranger will train with the All Blacks while the squad is in camp in Auckland this week.

Smith and Ranger have been named in the New Zealand Barbarians to play the Maori in Whangarei next weekend.

They'll provide training cover to give the All Blacks medical staff further time to assess the recovery of centre Richard Kahui and fullback Mils Muliaina.

Kahui is recovering from a chest injury while Muliaina, who is looking to return to rugby after his thumb injury, has a calf strain.

The squad trains under lights at Trusts Stadium in west Auckland this evening and the All Blacks will play Ireland in New Plymouth on Saturday week.