16 All Blacks released to play provincial rugby

The All Blacks have released 16 players from their Rugby Championship squad to join their provinces this weekend for round five of the Bunnings NPC.

After arriving back from Argentina, the All Blacks are looking to get minutes under the belt of many players ahead of their two Test series against the Springboks.

On Friday night Bay of Plenty will be boosted by the return of Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Tevita Mafileo for their trip to North Harbour.

Smith on Eden Park challenge

Smith on Eden Park challenge

Recently capped hooker Brodie McAlister will be available for Canterbury against Manawatu, while lock Josh Lord will turn out for Taranaki against Counties Manukau.

Tasman and Otago will welcome back Timoci Tavatavanawai and George Bower respectively for their Saturday night match.

Wellington are boosted by the return of four All Blacks, halfback Kyle Preston and fullback Ruben Love, while openside Peter Lakai and hooker Asafo Aumua bolster the forwards. All Black winger Caleb Clarke returns from his ankle injury for Auckland.

Ranfurly Shield holders, Waikato, will have Anton Lienert-Brown, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau and Ollie Norris available for their Shield defence against Southland on Sunday evening.

The list of All Blacks playing for their provincial teams is as follows:

Friday 29 August

North Harbour v Bay of Plenty – North Harbour Stadium, 7.05pm
Bay of Plenty: Emoni Narawa; Leroy Carter, Tevita Mafileo
Saturday 30 August 

Canterbury v Manawat? – Rangiora Showground Oval, 2.05pm
Canterbury: Brodie McAlister

Counties Manukau v Taranaki – Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe, 2.05pm
Taranaki: Josh Lord

Tasman v Otago – Trafalgar Park, Nelson, 7.05pm
Tasman: Timoci Tavatavanawai
Otago: George Bower
Sunday 31 August 

Wellington v Auckland – Porirua Park, 2.05pm
Wellington: Kyle Preston; Peter Lakai; Ruben Love; Asafo Aumua
Auckland: Caleb Clarke
Waikato v Southland – FMG Stadium Waikato, 4.35pm
Waikato: Anton Lienert-Brown; Luke Jacobson; Samipeni Finau; Ollie Norris.