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Aaron Smith is to join the All Blacks for their final two games of their Autumn Series against Ireland and France, after the birth of his second child last week.
Smith played his 100th Test against Australia during the Bledisloe Cup before staying home for with his pregnant wife.
Smith playing with Manawatū Turbos in the NPC and welcomed baby boy Leo with wife Teagan last week.
Smith will travel as injury cover for Brad Weber, who suffered a head knock and sustained a broken nose nine minutes into last weekend’s Italy clash.
All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod said Weber was feeling symptom free after failing an head injury assessment (HIA) against Italy, but had to “go through an independent concussion specialist process.”
“I’m very excited to come back and join the boys,” Smith said. “Two very big games for the lads which is very exciting to be a part of. I’m just looking to try and help where I can, bring a bit of energy.
“The boys have done so well and it was great to watch them and be a fan from afar, but deep down knowing I’d love to be there as well. Since my boy arrived, Teagan was all for it. It was a pretty short conversation. She was like ‘go, this is a great opportunity for you’.
“I’m going in with no expectations on playing or anything but I’ll be trying to do my best to impact where I can.
“Little Leo is fit and healthy, loves the milk and is starting to put a little weight on which is great. It was pretty tough this morning at 4.45am saying my goodbyes, but I’m feeling grateful for Teagan who blessed that I’ve got to go and this is an opportunity for [me] to finish the year.
“I’m happy and excited but it was a little sad. I’m here excited to join the team and ready. Just can’t wait.”
Smith will join the squad in Dublin midweek.
Meanwhile, Ken Owens will miss the rest of Wales’ Autumn Nations Series with a back injury.
Owens was absent from Saturday’s 23-18 loss to world champions South Africa and has now pulled out of coach Wayne Pivac’s squad for games against Fiji and Australia.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.