Kiwi veteran Adam Blair has been added to New Zealand's squad for the World Cup Nines, with the competition commencing in Sydney on Friday.
The 33-year-old flew from Auckland to Sydney to join teammates at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday for the sides final training session.
Blair's inclusion comes as a replacement for Braden Hamlin-Uele, who will miss out on a potential Nines debut with injury.
"Unfortunately young Braden had a minor strain in his calf. He should be OK," New Zealand coach Michael Maguire toldย Stuff NZ.ย
The Cronulla interchange forward will be sidelined for the World Cup Nines in preparation for the Kiwi's tests against the Kangaroos and Great Britain that are scheduled to follow.
Maguire revealed that Blair had already made an impact at training, with the 48-time New Zealand representative having just returned from a holiday on the Gold Coast.
"When I rang Blairy yesterday to ask him, he said 'I'm there'." Maguire said.
Exciting Kiwi duo Zane Tetevano and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad were also added to the squad earlier this week, replacing James Fisher-Harris and Jordan Rapana.
New Zealand will open their account against Australia at Bankwest Stadium, with Shaun Johnson leading from the front. The match will follow the trans-Tasman women's clash.
