Hemopo (24) has been called into the All Blacks squad as injury cover for the injured Liam Squire and Vaea Fifita.
The rugged Hemopo has been in outstanding form for the Highlanders this year and will join the squad for this week’s third test against the French in Dunedin.
Squire picked up a blow to his shoulder in the All Blacks win over the French in Wellington on Saturday night while Fifita picked up a concussion.
Hemopo’s locking partner at the Highlanders, Tom Franklin, is already with the All Blacks as injury cover.
Hemopo has toiled away in the Highlanders for the past few years but made big strides in the second half of last year, including a stand-out match against the British and Irish Lions.
He has played in nearly every game this year for the Highlanders.
Also joining the All Black squad is former Southern hooker Ricky Riccitelli. Nathan Harris has returned home to be with his partner who is due to give birth. Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman has been with the All Black squad for the whole series as injury cover.
Fifita was staying in Wellington, as was first five-eighth Beauden Barrett, who was concussed in the test in Wellington .
They have not been ruled out of the test on Saturday at Forsyth Barr Stadium but it would be a surprise if they appeared under the roof.