All Blacks captain Tana Umaga will rejoin his side in time for the Tri-Nations Test against South Africa next weekend after his wife gave birth to their third child late on Sunday.
Umaga flew home from Sydney after the All Blacks 23-18 loss to the Wallabies on Saturday to be with his wife Rochelle at the birth of Lily-Kate Umaga, and then rebooked to Australia early on Monday morning to catch a connecting flight to Johannesburg.
The decision of the New Zealand skipper to leave the team capped a dramatic few hours which also included revelations of possible terrorist threats for the match against the Springboks and injuries to key players in the Australia match.
Utility back Aaron Mauger, who had been called into the side in case Umaga did not make it back on time, will stay with the squad as cover for Sam Tuitupou who broke a rib on Saturday.
Rico Gear has also been brought in as standby for wing Doug Howlett who suffered nerve damage to his neck and right shoulder.
The All Blacks meanwhile arrived in South Africa on Monday with coach Graham Henry saying they never had any intention of cancelling the trip despite media reports it was in jeopardy because of a possible terrorist attack.
”We discussed it with both the New Zealand government and the rugby union and they decided that there was only a low level of a security risk,” he said.
”No, we did not have a vote, only a discussion. The tour was never in jeopardy.” – Sapa-AFP