Jason Eaton's experience and versatility has seen him earn a recall to the 30-man New Zealand squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations series against Australia and South Africa.

The Hurricanes and Taranaki lock has been playing at blindside flanker for the Junior All Blacks during their title-winning Pacific Nations Cup campaign in recent weeks.

Eaton and wing Hosea Gear, who scored eight tries in four games for New Zealand's A side in the tournament, were the biggest beneficiaries as the squad was named on Saturday.

Last year's end of season grand slam tourists to Britain and Ireland returned to the senior side after being overlooked for the Tests against France and Italy.

Ali Williams' need for surgery on a troublesome Achilles injury and the absence of his Blues team-mate Anthony Boric (broken toe) has paved the way for Eaton to join veteran second rower Brad Thorn and rookies Isaac Ross and Bryn Evans in the squad.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said the 10-Test experience of the 26-year-old and his ability to play two positions had counted in his favour.

"He's played a bit at loose forward for the Junior All Blacks at six," Henry told Radio Sport. "Our number one lock (Williams) and our third lock (Boric) are injured so it gives us a wee bit of flexibility on the bench. It was important not to bring another rookie in who hasn't played for the All Blacks, we've got enough of those."

Gear has replaced exciting wing Lelia Masaga, who was a late call-up to the All Blacks when Rudi Wulf injured his shoulder prior to the opening Test against France in Dunedin.

Henry also welcomed back three of his most senior players from injury - loose forwards, captain Richie McCaw (knee) and Rodney So'oialo (neck), and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder).

"I haven't seen Rodney look better," the coach said. "I spent some time with him a week ago and he looks in real good shape. Siti's shoulder, which he has been rehabilitating, is in much better shape now than it was at the end of the Super 14. Richie is jumping out of his skin."