Loose forwards Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read are the locking cover if the All Black second row suffer any injuries in tomorrow night's Tri-Nations match against South Africa in Hamilton.
The All Black selectors decided to go into the match with an extra loose forward on the reserves bench with Rodney So'oialo and Adam Thomson their back-ups.
Fingers crossed nothing happens to Issac Ross or Brad Thorn during the game, but number eight Read feels he'll be well prepared to move forward if needed after being told of the contingency plan this week.
Forwards coach Steve Hansen says they went for two loosies in the reserves because of the physicality they want for the entire match.
