THE injury-recovered Craig Dowd has returned to the All Blacks squad ahead of their home leg Tri-Nations clash with the Springboks in Pretoria on August 7. This will be the Kiwis’ toughest leg of their international rugby season before October’s World Cup, for which they are being tipped as favourites. Dowd was one of four additions named on Monday to the regular side for the 26-member squad leaving on Friday for South Africa. The New Zealand selectors have also given Gordon Slater a chance to revive his All Blacks career, recalled Carlos Spencer as cover for the backline, and for the first time included Canterbury’s Reuben Thorne as a loose forward/lock cover. Midfield back Pita Alatini, released from the squad to play for New Zealand A on Sunday, will also make the trip.