All Black centre Tana Umaga has been axed from the New Zealand squad ahead of next week's second Test against Ireland.

The Kiwis, who defeated Ireland 15-6 on Saturday, played way below their best and Umaga has paid the price for a poor showing in the All Blacks' midfield.

The centre, who returned to the side after missing the first Test of the season against Italy with a knee injury, will now be available for the Barbarians side to play New Zealand Maori on Friday.

Former captain Taine Randell, who was in the reserves for Saturday's game, and prop Kees Meeuws, who played against Italy, will also be available for the Barbarians.

Full-back Christian Cullen, who was named by coach John Mitchell in the starting line-up for the Italy game but not required for the Ireland Test, will play club rugby next weekend.

Cullen was dumped last year by Mitchell and had a poor Super 12 this season, though the All Blacks coach said he had brought the Wellington player back into the squad because of his past international performances.

Centre Mark Robinson and lock Simon Maling, who both played against Italy, have been recalled to the squad for the Test in Auckland next Saturday.

Mitchell and his fellow selectors are using a rotational player policy in an attempt to find the best combination for the forthcoming Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations clashes with Australia and South Africa.

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New Zealand squad:

Leon MacDonald, Doug Howlett, Caleb Ralph, Mark Robinson, Daryl Gibson, Aaron Mauger, Jonah Lomu, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Byron Kelleher; Scott Robertson, Reuben Thorne (captain), Marty Holah, Richard McCaw, Norm Maxwell, Chris Jack, Simon Maling, Greg Somerville, Dave Hewett, Joe McDonnell, Tom Willis, Mark Hammett.