New Zealand All Blacks Ryan Crotty (C) is tackled by Japan's Michael Broadhurst (R) and Ayumu Goromaru during their international rugby test match in Tokyo November 2, 2013. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Ryan Crotty's elevation to his first test start for the All Blacks on Thursday was hardly a major surprise after Ma'a Nonu was ruled out by injury, even if the 25-year-old centre was not even in the squad a week ago.
The Canterbury Crusaders vice-captain was initially left out of the Rugby Championship squad but called in at short notice last Friday when Conrad Smith had to rush back to New Zealand to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.
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