11 Oct 2014

Pulu gets All Blacks call-up

7:21 am on 11 October 2014

The Counties Manukau halfback Augustine Pulu has been called into the All Blacks rugby squad for the final Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Brisbane next week.

Augustine Pulu

Augustine Pulu Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Pulu is an injury replacement for his Chiefs team-mate Tawera Kerr Barlow, who suffered a serious knee injury in the loss to the Springboks in Johannesburg.

Pulu says he's pleased, but the 24-year-old isn't taking anything for granted and says the next challenge is to make it into the playing squad.

First five Aaron Cruden is back in the squad after he was suspended for the last two Tests for missing the team's flight to Agentina, while wing/fullback Ben Smith is not travelling after being granted a rest by the coaches.