Baby keeps Muliaina at bay

All Black star Mils Muliaina could be unavailable for the Hong Kong leg of New Zealand's tour, given his wife is expecting their first child.

All Blacks full-back Mils Muliaina is in doubt for New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Hong Kong in early November.

Muliaina's wife is expecting the couple's first child and he will remain in New Zealand until the baby is born.

While the 28-year-old's selection in the 35-man squad for the All Blacks' season-ending tour is not in doubt, it is still touch and go whether or not the 65-Test veteran will make it in time for the final Bledisloe Cup match of the year on November 1.

Should Muliaina not make it to Hong Kong, it would leave coach Graham Henry shorn of his two first-choice full-backs with Leon MacDonald already ruled out of the tour as he continues his recovery from concussion.

The selectors do however have several options, depending on whether they opt for a specialist full-back or a utility player.

Wellington's Cory Jane and Canterbury's Paul Williams are specialist options, while All Blacks utility Isaia Toeava could also be entrusted with the number fifteen jersey in Muliaina's absence.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith said Toeava would spend time in the position for the shadow All Blacks in their practice match against the New Zealand Barbarians on Wednesday.

“He prefers centre or full-back,” said Smith.

“We like what he has done for us aerially this year. He has been good out wider a wee bit.

“Ice [Toeava] will get some time there tomorrow at full-back and he is certainly an option there for us.”