Dan Carter has been recalled to the All Blacks squad for the remainder of the Tri-Nations tournament after recovering from an Achilles injury, New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said on Monday.

The flyhalf had played a club game and two rounds of the provincial Air New Zealand Cup competition, and was ready to return to the top-flight, All Blacks coach Graham Henry said in an NZRU statement.

"He is a key member of the All Blacks, has recovered well from his injury and has made a great return to rugby so now is the right time to bring him back into the squad," Henry said.

Lock Tom Donnelly will join the 59-test veteran in the squad to provide cover for Bryn Evans, who is under an injury cloud after reporting back and leg problems in training on Thursday.

"Bryn will be having a scan today (Monday) so we can see what the long-term process will be," All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said in the statement.

With injuries affecting the team's preparations in the lead-up to the Tri-Nations, New Zealand slumped to two successive away losses against South Africa in recent weeks after a narrow win at home over Australia.

They next face the Wallabies in Sydney on August 22.

REUTERS