Scrum-half Aaron Smith will join up with the New Zealand squad as injury cover ahead of Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series game against Ireland.
Smith was initially expected to miss the duration of the All Blacks’ southern hemisphere tour after remaining at home for the birth of his second child.
But the 101-cap international will link up with his teammates in Dublin after Brad Weber failed a HIA and broke his nose in the 47-9 win over Italy last week.
Smith will join fellow half-backs TJ Perenara and Finlay Christie in the squad, but the 32-year-old insists he is not arriving with any expectations surrounding his level of game time.
He said: “I’m going over with no expectations of playing. But I’ll try to do my best to impact where I can.
“I’m very excited to come back and join the boys. Two very big games for the lads, which is really exciting to be part of.
“I’m just looking to try and help where I can and bring a bit of energy.
“The boys have done so well, and it was great to watch them, be a fan from afar, but, deep down, knowing I’d love to be there as well.”
Smith became an All Black centurion in August and could make his first appearance in three months having last played in the victory over Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup Test.
He will arrive in the Irish capital during the week and will be available for New Zealand’s last two games of the Autumn Nations Series against Ireland and France.
The game in Paris on November 20 could pit Smith against French captain and 2020 Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship Antoine Dupont in a mouth-watering match-up.
