Australia have rushed Chris Latham back into their Test squad for Saturday's Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup decider against a full-strength New Zealand side.
Latham, who has 71 caps, will start on the bench in Auckland having made just two club appearances following knee reconstruction surgery in January.
Wallabies head coach John Connolly was forced into the move after Australia's title bid was undermined by the loss of winger Lote Tuqiri and fullback Julian Huxley in two separate incidents.
Tuqiri is serving out a two-match ban imposed by the Australian Rugby Union after he missed two team recovery sessions and was found to be over the team's agreed alcohol limit following a night out.
Last weekend Huxley suffered a strained thigh muscle when he was "playfully tackled" by ACT Brumbies team-mate Gene Fairbanks at an awards night.
Angry ARU chief executive John O'Neill said: "It has been a long time since we have been in the running for the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup and in the space of just over two weeks we have now lost two players for a crucial Bledisloe encounter due to avoidable off-field incidents.We're extremely disappointed this has happened."
As a result Adam Ashley-Cooper, who scored a brilliant try in Australia's win over the All Blacks 10 days ago, moves to full-back with Drew Mitchell starting on the wing.
It is the fourth position Ashley-Cooper has occupied in the last five Tests for the Wallabies.
Conversely, New Zealand head coach Graham Henry insists he is sending out the best possible side to ensure the All Blacks head to the World Cup having retained the Tri-Nations crown.
Henry recalled scrumhalf Byron Kelleher, flanker Jerry Collins and hooker Anton Oliver, while Luke McAlister also starts.
"Our performance improved last week (against South Africa) and we are after more improvement. We are close to playing the type of rugby we want to play.
"The Bledisloe Cup and the Tri-Nations championship are hugely important to New Zealand and we would like to claim those honours again."
Meanwhile, the Welsh Rugby Union have agreed a new four-year pay deal with the players' union. The improved agreement, which is in place immediately, includes match fees, win and performance bonuses and insurance cover.
The WRU believe the agreement forms the basis of a complete support system for the players during and after their rugby careers.
The players will reportedly earn £60,000 each if they win the Grand Slam next year, double what they received for doing it in 2005.
There was no suggestion of strike action on this occasion but the players were anxious to get a deal in place before the warm-up Tests begin against England at Twickenham on August 4th.
The financial issues were reportedly agreed some time ago, with the sticking point the length of deal but a compromise has now been reached.
NEW ZEALAND(for Tri-Nations decider against Australia in Auckland): Mils Muliaina; Doug Howlett, Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko; Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher; Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman, Keith Robinson, Chris Jack, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw (capt), Rodney So'oialo. Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Reuben Thorne, Chris Masoe, Brendon Leonard, Aaron Mauger, Nick Evans.
