The injury-hit All Blacks have called three reinforcements into their squad as they prepare for the Tri-Nations rugby Test against Australia at Eden Park on Saturday.

Wellington halfback Piri Weepu and Hawke's Bay hooker Hikawera Elliot will join the camp in Auckland, with Auckland halfback Taniela Moa also to train with them from Tuesday.

A battered and beaten All Blacks returned to Auckland with several walking wounded after a 19-34 loss to Australia in Sydney last Saturday.

Both halfbacks from that defeat are under injury clouds, with Andy Ellis (ribs) and Jimmy Cowan (knee and broken nose) identified as doubtful starters by assistant coach Steve Hansen.

If one of them is ruled out, it will bring the out-of-favour Weepu back into contention from New Zealand Maori duty, with Brendon Leonard (knee) still sidelined.

Hooker Andrew Hore has a bruised hip although his condition was not originally thought to be too serious.

There are few hooker replacement contenders with Corey Flynn injured and Tom Willis overseas, and All Blacks management have turned to Elliot for cover.

Elliot, 22, has played 26 matches for Hawke's Bay and this year broke into the Hurricanes ranks for the Super 14 competition and played for New Zealand Maori for the first time.

As well, Chiefs lock Kevin O'Neill, not wanted for the trip to Sydney, will be back training with the team.

An All Blacks spokesman told NZPA the potential replacements had been called in both to offer cover and ensure the coaches had enough players at their disposal for training purposes.

"Sometimes it just means we can train better, so the reasoning is twofold. It will help us with training and it will give us cover."

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