Scrum-half Piri Weepu has earned a recall to the New Zealand squad for next month's Rugby Championship matches against Argentina and South Africa.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named the 30-year-old in his squad as a replacement for TJ Perenara, who has a fractured leg.
Also included is skipper Richie McCaw, despite his struggling with a knee injury.
"We have selected Piri as a replacement for two reasons," Hansen told reporters.
"One, given the environments we are going into, it would be unfair to bring in a novice half-back; and secondly, we have also seen advances in his game in the areas we asked him to improve in.
"With Richie, we believe that the best chance of having him available to play against South Africa is by having him travel with the squad and getting 'hands-on' treatment from the All Blacks medical staff."
However, influential fly-half Dan Carter will be missing with a shoulder injury.
The 31-year-old is due to take a six-month break from the game following the tour of Europe in November.
The first Test takes place against the Springboks on October 5.
Full squad:
Forwards: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read.
Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Tom Taylor, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.
Michael Penkman
