Auckland's Isaia Toeava will join the All Black squad for the South African leg of their Tri-Nations campaign. Toeava returns to New Zealand's national team as an injury replacement for fullback Leon MacDonald, who is making a gradual return from concussion.

Meanwhile wing Rudi Wulf will not travel to Cape Town, as the All Black selectors have opted to include three scrumhalves in the 26-man travelling squad, a decision that will see Wellington's Piri Weepu fly out with the team on Friday.

Weepu is also set to play in Thursday's Air New Zealand Cup match, where he will captain the Wellington Lions against a North Harbour team that will feature fellow All Black Anthony Tuitavake on the wing.

"Isaia is currently at fullback for Auckland and has played there previously at international and Super 14 level," said All Black coach Graham Henry.

"He's also got the ability to play elsewhere in the backline, which is helpful when we are a long way from home.

"Leon [MacDonald] is improving, but the medical advice is to take things slowly," Henry added.

"He'll gradually get back into exercise and then training and then may look to play an Air New Zealand Cup match."

While Wulf sprained a MCL in a provincial game last week, he could be able to resume training this week.

However, the All Blacks needed to omit a player from the travelling squad, Henry noted, and Wulf's injury question mark tipped the decision.

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