Wallabies prop Al Baxter has been ruled out of Saturday's first test against Wales after failing to recover from bronchitis.

Baxter's place in the front row will be taken by Guy Shepherdson with Benn Robinson added to the replacements' bench.

Elsewhere, Ma'a Nonu has been added to the All Blacks squad as cover for the injured Mils Muliaina and Conrad Smith.

Centre Smith suffered a recurrence of a hamstring strain in a club match last weekend and fullback Muliaina sustained a similar injury in training.

"Conrad and Mils both need a bit of time to treat their injuries and we expect they will be available for selection later in the series," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said.

New Zealand play two home tests against France starting on June 2nd and one against Canada before this year's Tri-Nations against Australia and South Africa.