New Zealand receive Patrick Tuipulotu boost ahead of Bledisloe Cup Tests

New Zealand have received a much needed boost ahead of the Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia with veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu set to join the squad on Monday.

The 31-year-old did not feature in the ongoing Rugby Championship tournament due to a calf injury that he sustained during the All Blacks' clash against Argentina in August.

He made a comeback last Saturday for his provincial side where he featured for 60 minutes and now will link up with the squad in Sydney ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener.

Tuipulotu is now set to rejoin captain Scott Barrett in the second row as they look to bounce back in the tournament after losing both the matches against the Springboks.

Ethan de Groot is also set to return after recovering from a neck injury while Fletcher Newell is sidelined with a calf problem.

New Zealand are currently at fourth place in the Rugby Championship table after losing three out of the four matches. They will now face Australia in the final two rounds on the 21st and 28th September.