Mark Telea replaces Leicester Fainga'anuku in All Blacks squad for Japan test

Uncapped Blues and North Harbour wing Mark Telea has been called into the All Blacks as a replacement for Leicester Fainga'anuku after the Crusaders winger left the squad for family reasons ahead of the test against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday night.

Fainga'anuku, 23, is due to arrive back in New Zealand on Monday night. It is unclear whether he will rejoin the squad before the All Blacks head to Europe for tests against Scotland, Wales and England.

Telea was called into the All Blacks earlier this year as cover for Will Jordan when Covid-19 swept through the camp before the series opener with Ireland, but didn’t make it onto the field.

The All Blacks will take on Japan at 4.50pm Saturday.

Meanwhile the Vodafone Flying Fijians will take on Scotland in their first Autumn International Series at 12am on November 6th.