The All Blacks have bolstered their squad to 38 for the Tri Nations in Australia.

Uncapped loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi and prop George Bower are new additions, coming in as cover.

Ardie Savea and Nepo Laulala won't fly out with the squad on Sunday as they await the arrival of additions to their families.

Kirifi knew just who to call when he found out the news.

"I had a moment to myself and gave Dad a bell and he lost the plot, and rightly so. I'm really happy for my parents, they've worked hard our entire lives."

He says he took a lot of feedback on board after missing out of the North v South match a month ago.

"Plumtree just gave me a bell and said he wants me to be more physical and more consistent asnd be more of an 80 minute man, so pretty much put the phone down and hopped on the treadmill."

Meanwhile squad members Mitchell Dunshea and Cullen Grace have been released to play for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup this weekend.

Akira Ioane will also be free to play for Auckland.