Seventeen All Blacks squad members have been cleared to play for their provinces over the next couple of weeks ahead of the naming of the World Cup squad.
Winger Cory Jane and lock Jeremy Thrush played for Wellington against North Harbour on Thursday night and are free for Northland next week, when loose foward Victor Vito will also be available.
Can Cory Jane impress All Blacks coach Steve Hansen in two games for Wellington before the World Cup squad is named? Photo: Photosport
Halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow and flanker Liam Messam are available for Waikato in their match against Manawatu in Palmerston North on Saturday, while first Lima Sopoaga could turn out for Southland against Northland.
Hawkes Bay can call up fullback Israel Dagg for the next two weeks against Otago and Counties-Manukau while they will also get prop Ben Franks for the Counties game.
Israel Dagg gets a last chance to push for a World Cup spot playing for Hawkes Bay. Photo: REUTERS
Auckland have the services of prop Charlie Faumuina and outside back Charles Piutau for their next two games while Canterbury get midfield back Ryan Crotty, prop Joe Moody, winger Patrick Osborne and flanker Matt Todd for matches against Counties-Manukau and Auckland.
Bay of Plenty will get Sam Cane for their game against Southland next week while Taranaki get to call up first five Beauden Barrett and lock James Broadhurst against Otago.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is due to name his World Cup squad on Sunday August 30th.