Andrew
Mehrtens was handed a chance to resurrect his international career
when he was named on Monday as a replacement in one of coach Graham
Henry's All Blacks trial teams.
The first-five, who has spent two years in the international
wilderness, gave an inspirational performance in Saturday's Super
12 final as a replacement for the Crusaders against the Brumbies in
Canberra.
Mehrtens, the highest points scorer in All Black history, took the
field after 23 minutes with the Crusaders trailing 33-0. But he
helped his side stage a determined rally, even though they
eventually lost 47-38.
The 31-year-old Mehrtens has been chosen as a replacement for the
Probables team for the June 1 trial, deemed to be a shadow All
Black side.
At No.8 for the Probables is Mose Tuiali'i, the imposing
Crusaders loose-forward who had a good season before he was banned
for three weeks for butting a Stormers player in the Super
12.
In the Possibles side, incumbent All Black hooker Keven Mealamu
will pack down with fellow Blues and All Black team-mate Kees
Meeuws and one-time All Black Otago's Carl Hayman.
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