Recalled flanker Matt Todd says it might take a bit of time "to get the body back into the All Black way again" but he is excited to be back in the test arena.

The Crusaders stalwart has been whistled up from Japanese club rugby after a special dispensation was granted to allow Steve Hansen to use an overseas-based player.

Todd, who has 14 test caps, was released by New Zealand Rugby for a season with Robbie Deans' Japanese Top League club Panasonic Wild Knights.

But a S.O.S call went out to the experienced openside after Sam Cane suffered a season-ending neck injury against the Springboks in Pretoria.

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GETTY IMAGES Matt Todd scores his first test try against France in Dunedin in 2018.

Todd linked up with the All Blacks again in Tokyo on Monday after playing in the Wild Knights' weekend win over the Canon Eagles, featuring his former Crusaders and All Blacks teammate Israel Dagg.

"It was a short train ride this morning," he told All Blacks TV.

"It's always uplifting, seeing all the faces again and getting in here."

Todd has played in all seven Top League games for the Wild Knights this season, helping Deans' team to second place in its conference and a guaranteed place in the premier playoffs division.

The 30-year-old, who will return to the Crusaders for the next Super Rugby campaign, said he was "starting to get used to the Japanese way and the Japanese culture.

"I've really enjoyed my time here so far."

But he said things were "a little bit different over here" in Japanese rugby, "in the way they go about things".

"The next couple of days [at All Blacks training] will be a bit of a shock to the body, getting it back into the All Black way, I guess.

"But, at the same time, it's exciting seeing every one again," said Todd, who was enjoying the All Black "energy", watching a rock-scissors-paper game dominated by prop Owen Franks at the end of a light training session.

Todd will remain with the All Blacks for the duration of their northern tour after the Wild Knights agreed to a release.

After biding his time behind Richie McCaw, Todd made his test debut in 2013.

His last test appearance came in June 2018 when he replaced an injured Ardie Savea in the 17th minute against France in Dunedin.

Todd scored his first test try in that match.

With Cane injured, Savea looms as the likely starter in the No 7 jersey after powerful performances in this year's Rugby Championship. But Todd provides an experienced option to uncapped Auckland tyro Buxton Popalii.