The All Blacks will learn today whether Auckland Blues scrum-half Steve Devine can play in the upcoming Tests against England, France and Wales.

The New Zealand squad arrived in London on Saturday unaware the Australian-born Devine was ineligible to play for them after representing the country of his birth in international sevens.

Devine played for Australia in 1998, before stringent new rules designed to stop players from switching countries came into force two years ago.

The new regulation applies retroactively but New Zealand rugby chiefs have applied to the International Rugby Board (IRB) for special dispensation to allow Devine to play. "We are still waiting to hear from the IRB," All Blacks spokesman Matt McIlraith said yesterday.

"They have said they will let us know but we are not expecting anything official until Monday morning."

Devine left Australia in 1998 to join Auckland in the National Provincial Championship and was a surprise inclusion in the All Blacks squad announced last week. The 25-year-old has played 46 matches for Auckland and has also represented the Blues in Super 12 since 1999.

Under new eligibility laws implemented by the International Rugby Board (IRB) in 2000, any player who has represented a country's Test team, A team or in sevens, is unable to play for any other country.

IRB communications manager Chris Rea said he did not like Devine's chances of playing for the All Blacks. "It's not a matter of allowing or not allowing a dispensation. A player is either eligible or not eligible," he said.

New Zealand coach John Mitchell was continuing to work with Devine yesterday. But if the player is forced out of the squad, the All Blacks are expected to turn to either Canterbury's vastly-experienced Justin Marshall or Wellington's Jason Spice as a replacement.

Mitchell, meanwhile, gave a diplomatic assessment of England's prospects of success in next year's World Cup in Australia.

"I think they're right up there," he told BBC Radio. "They're one of the best teams in the world, they're qualified to say that.

"People like (Lawrence) Dallaglio, (Neil) Back, (Richard) Hill, (Martin) Johnson and (Phil) Vickery, those guys have got a lot of mileage, a lot of experience, under their belts. They're fantastic rugby players and they contribute a lot."

Mitchell's youthful squad includes 12 uncapped players as New Zealand look to blood untried players with one eye on the World Cup.

"A lot of people haven't seen this All Black side play and until they've played, I think people probably should reserve their judgement," he said.

The one instantly recognisable face in the All Blacks squad is winger Jonah Lomu, who is badly in need of some good performances for his country.

Mitchell admitted Lomu had some work to do if he is to be part of the All Blacks World Cup planning. "He has to show evidence on this tour and he'll have to show fitness gains in his off-season and also once again show it in the Super 12s," Mitchell said.

Woodward's preparations for Saturday's clash with the All Blacks at Twickenham have been dealt a blow by the failure of utility back Austin Healey to recover from an Achilles injury which has kept him out of his club Leicester's last two matches. Mike Catt and Lewis Moody should, however, be fit.

Denis Hickie remains doubtful for selection for Ireland's Test match against Australia at Lansdowne Road on Saturday. The Leinster wing had his hand immobilised in plaster over the weekend and until the cast is removed, the Irish team management won't know how stable the injury is. He is rated 50-50 to be available with the team due to be selected tomorrow.

Six players were called to join the Ireland squad for training purposes only. They are Marcus Horan (Shannon), Eric Miller (Terenure), David Quinlan (Blackrock), Mark McHugh (St Mary's), Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne) and Shane Moore (UCD).