Chiefs wing Lelia Masaga has been called into the New Zealand squad as cover for Rudi Wulf who was injured in training on Thursday.

Masaga had been due to fly out from Auckland with the Junior All Blacks to compete in the Pacific Nations Cup but got the late call to head to Dunedin instead where the All Blacks are preparing for the first Test against France.

Wulf, who has been named on the left wing for Saturday's game at Carisbrook, will undergo an X-ray on his left shoulder to determine the extent of the injury and an announcement will be made on Friday regarding any likely replacement.

It is a bitter blow for the 25-year-old who has overcome a broken neck to play international rugby.

He also suffered a broken wrist in the Blues pre-season Super 14 campaign but battled hard to win back his place in the All Blacks.

As for Masaga, many felt after a strong Super 14 campaign with the competition runners-up that he had done enough to earn a spot in Graham Henry's 26-man squad for Tests against France and Italy.

Now after being initially overlooked it appears he may get his chance alongside team-mates Mils Muliaina, Stephen Donald, Liam Messam and fellow newcomer Tanerau Latimer.

"I really feel for Rudi," said Muliaina, who will captain the side in the absence of Richie McCaw.

"I know how excited he was. He went up to try and catch the ball Â… and he came down and fell awkwardly and bunged his shoulder up."