All Blacks call up Mo'unga as Barrett cover
The All Blacks called up uncapped Richie Mo'unga Monday to bolster their backline stocks in the squad to face Australia in Brisbane this weekend.
Star fly-half Beauden Barrett suffered a head knock in New Zealand's win over South Africa earlier this month, opening the way for Mo'unga's inclusion.
The world champions also lost winger Nehe Milner-Skudder to a season-ending shoulder injury in the same match.
They said Mo'unga, 23, was coming in as "temporary cover" for the Wallabies match. He is likely to be third-choice fly-half after Lima Sopoaga and Damian McKenzie.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will remain with the squad as a replacement for Luke Romano, who is having time off following the birth of his baby son.
The Wallabies have so far failed in their quest to beat the All Blacks this year after two defeats in Sydney and Dunedin in August.
New Zealand's starting XV will be named on Thursday.