The All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has hinted that Conrad Smith and Malakai Fekitoa could combine in the midfield for this weekend's Rugby Championship Test against South Africa.
Foster has hinted Smith and Fekitoa, who are yet to play for the All Blacks this year, could make a rare start together.
Ma'a Nonu paired up with Sonny Bill Williams in last Friday's win over Argentina, but this could change with the return of Conrad Smith.
All Blacks Coach, Steve Hansen had announced that Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams will not travel to South Africa because they want to give everyone in their 41‑man squad a chance.
Meanwhile the Springboks captain and lock Victor Matfield and flanker Marcell Coetzee are carrying injuries and are unlikely to be available for Sunday's match.
The Springboks will host the All Blacks at 3.05am this Sunday while the Wallabies will take on Argentina at 10.40am Sunday.
Source: Radio New Zealand