Nine All Blacks have been released to their provinces for round three of the national championship.
Outside backs Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo have the most to gain with Ben Smith’s sabbatical leaving the right-wing position up for grabs ahead of the All Blacks next test against Argentina in New Plymouth on September 9th.
Milner-Skudder and Ngani Laumape will both turn out for Manawatu against Otago in Dunedin on Saturday, while Naholo will play for Taranaki against Counties-Manukau in New Plymouth.
Winless Tasman get a boost with utility back David Havili rejoining the side for their clash with Waikato who will have halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow on deck for match in Hamilton on Sunday.
Loose-forward Akira Ioane links up with Auckland for Wednesday night’s game against Otago at Eden Park.
Thursday night’s clash in Rotorua sees hooker Nathan Harris fronting up for Bay of Plenty while forwards Vaea Fifita and Jeff Toomaga-Allen are available for Wellington.
Newshub.