New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith will join the squad in Dublin midweek ahead of the test against Ireland to provide injury cover after a head-knock to Brad Weber.
Smith was expected to miss the entire season-ending northern hemisphere tour to stay home with family after the birth of his son Leo but could line up in the final two tests against the Irish and France.
The 32-year-old Highlanders player has been capped 101 times by the national team and was part of the World Cup-winning squad of 2015.
"It all happened very quickly and now I'm two hours from jumping on the plane to join the boys in Ireland," Smith said in a video posted on the All Blacks' social media account on Tuesday.
"I've very excited to come back and join the boys... Two very big games for the lads, which is really exciting to be part of.
"I'm just looking to try and help where I can, and bring a bit of energy."
Smith said his wife Teagan was all for him rejoining the side.
"It was a pretty short conversation. She was like, 'Go, this is a great opportunity for you’.
"I’m going over with no expectations of playing, but I’ll try to do my best to impact where I can."
The All Blacks will also be boosted by the availability of stalwart lock Brodie Retallick, who has recovered from a shoulder injury sustained in the win over Wales last month.
New Zealand face Ireland on Saturday after setting world records for the most test points and tries in a calendar year from their 47-9 win over Italy over the weekend. Weber was injured early in that match.
New Zealand’s 47-9 victory in Rome followed a 54-16 success over Wales in Cardiff and a 104-14 triumph over the United States in Washington, DC.
After taking on the Irish this weekend, Ian Foster’s men will complete their tour against France in Paris seven days later.
Follow Ireland v New Zealand via our liveblog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app, watch live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player or listen to national radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport.
