Manawatu’s Rob Thompson, Waikato’s Steve Ketu, Tasman’s Shane Christie, Wellington’s George Tilsley and Auckland’s Ben Paltridge have been called into the trial squad as replacements.

Counties Manukau’s Ahsee Tuala, North Harbour’s Ken Pisi, Tasman’s James Lowe and Auckland’s Nathan Hughes are all now unavailable for the trial.

Waikato’s Frank Halai will not attend the trial due to a bereavement.

The sevens trialists are:

But those very qualities have been personified by one supporter whose epic journey to the match has set an inspiring tone for the Scotland team, who must win the match and deprive England of a bonus point to have the best chance of sustaining their interest in the competition through to next week’s knockout stages.

Stuart MacDonald, an experienced sailor from Largs, set out on the River Clyde in his 38ft boat Beyond in May 2010. In the 16 months since his departure he has crossed the Atlantic and the Pacific, undertaking the vast majority of the trip single-handed.

His motivation, since he navigated the Panama Canal earlier this year, was to get to Auckland in time for Saturday 1 October, as a friend had secured him a ticket for the Scotland v England Rugby World Cup match.

Today, Stuart duly arrived in Auckland and was congratulated on his voyage in person by Scotland captain Alastair Kellock.

Kellock said: “We have enjoyed fantastic support while we have been in New Zealand, whether from those who have travelled here or from fans in the country itself.

“But to travel 12,000 miles the hard way is a monumental effort. It’s very humbling and I know the players will be inspired by Stuart’s amazing dedication.”

Stuart explained: “I had set out with the idea of getting to New Zealand for Rugby World Cup and it was about the time that I was approaching the Panama Canal when I knew for sure that I had a ticket for the Scotland v England game.

“It became pretty important to get down here in time for the game! In actual fact the normal boats do not leave the islands to come down here for another month or so because it’s too early in the southern hemisphere spring.

“One or two people said ‘What are you going now for?’ but I just had to get down.”

The last leg of his journey was the 1,000 miles from Tonga. His first attempt he had to about turn as the weather just wasn’t right but he got the break he needed and duly reached Whangerei, north of Auckland on Thursday.

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Dominic McKay, said: “We all know that Scotland has the most resourceful and resilient supporters and Stuart’s fantastic voyage to see the team in tomorrow’s game just sums it up.

“We are delighted that he has arrived in time for the game and was able to pass on some details of his journey to our captain.”

Our picture shows Stuart MacDonald, Scotland captain Alastair Kellock and Scottish Rugby’s Dominic McKay.

Aged 26, Onosa’i has been playing for Auckland Blues since 2006, making his debut against the Bulls.  He has represented New Zealand at Under-19 and Under-21 levels, and was a gold medal winner for his country’s Sevens team in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Sharks Head Coach Tony Hanks said, "He was a player whom I met when he was about 13 and he’s always been a good player. He’s come through the Auckland system like Sammy Tuitupou and Tasesa Lavea, so he knows those guys and will be familiar with them.

“He’s got a big engine and has played for younger New Zealand teams. He’s played a lot of Super 15 games in an Auckland side where he has been competing with very good All Blacks throughout his career. He comes from good  stock. He’s a leader and a very intelligent player, and his sister is a well known singer in New Zealand.  I think he’s talented musically off the field, too.

“We’re confident he can fit straight in. When you are bringing someone in the middle of a season, you are looking for someone who can slot in seamlessly and that’s what Onosa’i will be able to do.

“It’s good timing for him, too, as he’s had a few niggles over the past couple of years, so he hasn’t had the consistent game time that he would have liked. It’s nice fit for him as much as us, as we’re going to get someone who is really motivated.

“This is not someone who is ending their career, this is someone who is looking at a new opportunity and who is really motivated to do well.”

Fans will get to ‘Stand in Black’ alongside the full All Blacks squad at a free event at Auckland’s Pakuranga Rugby Club.

The public will be able to spend Father’s Day in a carnival type atmosphere with fun activities for all ages.

There will be a chance to show off your rugby skills, get photos and signatures from your favourite players, play video games and go wild on bouncy castles.

On Saturday the All Blacks will receive their official Rugby World Cup 2011 welcome in Auckland’s Aotea Square at 3.30pm. This follows today’s visit to 11 towns across New Zealand from Kaeo to Winton.

On Sunday 18 September the All Blacks will have another Fan Day at Christchurch’s Pioneer Stadium, followed by an event in Wellington on Tuesday 27 September (details still to be confirmed).

This Sunday’s event opens at 3.30pm with players in attendance from 5pm. The Pakuranga Rugby Club is on Bells Road in Pakuranga.

Sharks’ Executive Director of Sport Steve Diamond said, “Sam joined us in the Summer and has been outstanding at training, leading by example and motivating others. He has captaincy experience from his Auckland days. It was a difficult decision – there were three or four lads who ‘stuck their hands in the air’ and wanted to be captain – but we thought that Sam would be here with us and not be playing in internationals. That was one of the considerations with the new team and the new environment at the club: it’s the right way.

“We’re not having vice captains. If Sam is unavailable, we’ll pick a captain as we go forward. We’ve got two other leaders in the group – Joe Ward and Nick Macleod – who are our ‘governors’. They look after discipline for us and that’s how it works out for the team.”

All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson said:  “Jarrad hurt his right shoulder in Taranaki’s ITM Cup match against Bay of Plenty on Tuesday night and while he took part in All Blacks training yesterday afternoon, it was causing him enough concern to warrant further examination. He will get a scan in Auckland later today and we will then be able to assess how serious it is.”

In the interim, Donnelly, who has played 15 Tests for the All Blacks, will train with the All Blacks squad at their final training run in Auckland today.

A decision on whether Hoeata is fit to travel to South Africa will be made later today.

The Waikato team is

1. Ted Tauroa (Otorohanga)

2. Marcel Cummings-Toone (University)

3. Latu Talakai (Fraser Tech)

4. Toby Lynn (Te Rapa) ©

5. Chris Middleton (Te Awamutu Sports)

6. Josh Tyrell (Hamilton Marist)

7. Zak Hohneck (Otorohanga)

8. Rory Grice (Otorohanga)

9. Malcolm Barnes (Hamilton Old Boys)

10. Sam Christie (Fraser Tech)

11. Tim Mikkelson (University)

12. Rena Schuster (Hamilton Old Boys)

13. Declan O’Donnell (Melville)

14. Frank Halai (Hamilton Marist)

15. Trent Renata (Hamilton Marist)

Reserves:

16. Simon Kay (Te Awamutu Sports)

17. Andre Ellison (Hamilton Old Boys)

18. Alex Bradley (Morrinsville Sports)

19. Josh Olsen (Hamilton Old Boys)

20. Jono Malo (Hamilton Marist)

21. Navi Sikivou  (Fraser Tech)

22. Mark Murray (Te Awamutu Sports)

23. Richard Johnston (Fraser Tech)

24. Paul Sweeney (Morrinsville Sports)

Note: Super Rugby players were not considered for this match.

The signing of the fourth–most capped All Black of all time is a major boost for New Zealand rugby with a number of key players now committed to New Zealand rugby beyond 2011.

Mealamu said: “I am very grateful to the New Zealand Rugby Union, the Blues and Auckland Rugby and their respective management teams for all the work they have done with me and for the unconditional support they have shown me and I’m delighted to be staying in New Zealand.”

“Loyalty is something I believe in; and I have always hoped I could repay the support I have been given, by showing my continued loyalty to New Zealand,” he added.

Mealamu also said he was pleased that his re–signing meant that he could continue to support the various New Zealand charities he is involved with, including the All Blacks’ charities KidsCan and Plunket, the Blues and Auckland Rugby’s charities KidzFirst Children’s Hospital and New Zealand Men’s Health Trust, as well as the New Zealand Rugby Foundation and Starship Children’s Hospital.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said:  “We are just so pleased that Keven has recommitted to New Zealand rugby. Not only is he one of the best players of his generation but he is a great bloke as well. His leadership, both on and off the field, is hugely valued as is his mentoring role for young players.”

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry added: “Kevie is a very important part of the All Blacks team, is part of our leadership group and is a very special man.  He is a role model not just in rugby but also the wider communities he is involved in, he gives so much of himself and we are delighted that he will be staying in New Zealand.”

Blues CEO Andy Dalton said Mealamu “was one of the finest men to have worn the Auckland and Blues jerseys.”

“He is not only an outstanding player, but also an outstanding man and we are thrilled Keven and his family will be remaining in Auckland,” Dalton added.

Blues Coach Pat Lam said:  “Keven’s re-signing is massive for the Blues and Auckland Rugby. I cannot emphasise enough what he brings to a team. Keven’s ability, his leadership and the high standards he sets are second to none and the importance of that within a team is invaluable.”

Mealamu, who turned 32 last month, has been an exceptional hooker, captain and leader in New Zealand rugby for more than a decade.  Born in the Waikato town of Tokoroa, he came through South Auckland’s Aorere College into New Zealand’s age–grade sides before making his provincial debut for Auckland in 1999.  He made his Super Rugby debut the following year and last year deservedly became the first Blues player to play 100 games for the franchise.

He made his All Blacks debut in 2002 and has been in the national side ever since.  He has played 83 Tests in the famous black jersey and sits behind current teammates Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina (94) and former hooker and captain Sean Fitzpatrick (92) on the all–time Test list.  He captained the All Blacks against Scotland in 2008, leading the team to a 32–6 victory.

Other 2010 All Blacks who have re-committed to New Zealand rugby beyond this year, include hooker Hikawera Elliot, props Tony Woodcock and Ben Franks, locks Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly and Sam Whitelock, loose forwards Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Daniel Braid, Liam Messam and Victor Vito, and backs Jimmy Cowan, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden.

Newcastle Falcons have bolstered their back division with the signing of 27-year-old centre Jamie Helleur, from Auckland Rugby for the 2011-12 season.

The Auckland born midfielder, who has represented Samoa on three occasions, is the latest acquisition to Kingston Park, following the signings of Gloucester scrum-half Jordi Pasqualin, rugby league convert Rikki Sheriffe and Ryan Shortland from New Zealand outfit Otago.

Helleur has 23 provincial caps to his name and has crossed the whitewash four times, proving he has an eye for the try line.

In 2010 he made his Samoan debut during the Pacific Nations Cup and was considered one of Samoa’s best centres for his line breaking abilities and his brave defence.

The aggressive defender made his debut for Auckland in 2005 and came through the Auckland academy system after making his mark at an early age.

Speaking from his home in Auckland, the 27-year-old, former Blues centre cannot wait to meet up with his new teammates in the north-east.

“I have been looking forward to this move for a long time,” Helleur told media manager Stewart McCullough.

“I am really happy that this opportunity has come up and hopefully I can slot into the side. The fact that I have a couple of friends at Newcastle is great for me,” he said.

Auckland born, Helleur has represented Samoa on three occasions and is a good friends with Filipo Levi, Tane Tu’ipulotu, Jimmy Gopperth and giant lock Andrew Van der Heijden. Van der Heijden played with Helleur during his high scool days in Auckland.

“Van ders [Andrew Van der Heijden] was captain of our team and he was a great leader. I have already spoken to Van ders about my move and it will be really nice to meet up with him again when I come across to Newcastle,” said Helleur.

During his days with Auckland, Helleur was coached by New Zealand and Newcastle Falcons rugby legend Pat Lam with Helleur adding: “It was a great experience and I learnt so much from him.”

Helleur will join up with his new teammates on 1 July for pre-season training and is the latest acquisition to Kingston Park following the signings of Jordi Pasqualin, Rikki Sheriffe and Ryan Shortland.

An aggressive defender, Helleur will add to the Samoan contingent in the Aviva Premiership along with the likes of Gloucester’s Eliota-Sapolu.

“I’ve played with Eliota in the Samoan team and it will be interesting when we come up against each other,” he said.

While not ruling himself out of selection for the World Cup later this year, Helleur insists he wants to cement his position at Newcastle Falcons.

He said: “I just want to concentrate on playing well for the Falcons at the moment. That is my focus and I cannot wait to play for the club.

“I want repay the faith shown in me and play well for Newcastle.”

And Helleur says he will be watching Saturday’s crucial home Aviva Premiership match against Leeds closely, saying: “Obviously it’s a really big game for the club and I wish the boys all the best.”

Speaking this morning, head coach Alan Tait said: "Andrew is a fantastic addition to the squad. He arrives in December and we will be getting him into analysis to look at our set piece game particularly our line outs. We will assess him and monitor his progress daily.

"He has a lot of experience and  he will be great for the young lads to have around. We were very unlucky that he broke his arm just after we had signed him but we have to move on."

Van Der Heijden was capped 60 times at provincial level in New Zealand having come through the Auckland academy and excelled at Counties Manukau  where he captained them in ITM Cup action en-route to their  player of the year trophy in 2008.