Whitelock fills Kaino void

The All Blacks have called up Highlanders loose forward Luke Whitelock to their Europe Tour squad to replace Jerome Kaino who withdraws with a knee injury.

Kaino sustained posterior cruciate ligament damage while playing against Whitelock for the All Blacks in the 31-22 victory over the Barbarians. It is cruel timing for the 82-Test cap veteran who had just earned himself selection after being dropped by coach Steve Hansen at the culmination of the drawn British and Irish Lions series.

Whitelock, capped once, will join the All Blacks who are preparing in France for the first match of their outgoing tour against les Bleus on Saturday.

He is unlikely to feature against France as he becomes the 43rd player in the squad but is likely to feature in the match against a French XV in Lyon next Tuesday when the All Blacks back up after Saturday's Test.