Auckland - Corey Flynn and Luke McAlister have been added to the New Zealand squad for Saturday's third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions, while a replacement for injured flyhalf Dan Carter has yet to be named.
McAlister, a utility back from North Harbour, was called up for All Blacks inside centre Aaron Mauger who damaged a hamstring in last Saturday's 48-18 second Test win in Wellington.
Canterbury's Flynn also joined the squad as a precaution for reserve hooker Derren Witcombe who strained his knee after he replaced Keven Mealamu for the last 10 minutes of the second test.
"Luke is a midfield back who also covers 10 (flyhalf) and can kick goals," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said in a statement yesterday.
"He has been in good form with the Junior All Blacks who beat Australia A on Friday night.
"We have to wait for a definitive word on Derren's availability, and Corey's presence is insurance for the squad in case Derren's knee is no good."
The All Blacks were also monitoring the fitness of prop Carl Hayman, who was a late withdrawal from the second Test because of a toe infection that has left his foot badly swollen.
Greg Somerville replaced Hayman in the front row for Wellington but Henry is considering adding another prop to the squad as additional cover.
The All Blacks have delayed naming their team until Wednesday while they count the cost of the series-clinching win over the Lions, but most interest centres around who will replace Carter.
Named man of the match after racking up a record individual tally of 33 points in the second Test, Carter was ruled out of the series finale with a shoulder problem.
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen raised the possibility that utility back Leon MacDonald could be moved to flyhalf but said the selectors were weighing up a number of options.
MacDonald was picked essentially as a fullback for the series, starting the opening Test at No 15 and coming on as a replacement in the second match, but is a highly versatile player who also has experience playing flyhalf.
Otago's Nick Evans seems the most logical choice to replace Carter.
Henry had said he wants to start developing a larger squad for the 2007 World Cup and the 24-year-old Evans would fit neatly into his plans, having made four test appearances last year and making the Junior All Blacks this season.
However, the sentimental choice remains Andrew Mehrtens, who made 70 Test appearances in an international career spanning a decade, but never played against the Lions.
In June, the 32-year-old announced he was leaving New Zealand to finish his career playing club rugby for Harlequins in England, but agreed to wait until the Lions series was over just in case he was needed.