All Blacks released to play NPC matches in wake of Argentina defeat

Sixteen members of the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad have been made available to play in the NPC this week.

Bay of Plenty have been boosted with the inclusion of trio Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Tevita Mafileo for Friday night’s clash with North Harbour.

On Saturday afternoon, hooker Brodie McAlister will be available for Canterbury when they host Manawatū, while Josh Lord pulls on the Taranaki strip to face Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.

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

Wellington will have four members of the All Blacks squad at their service on Sunday afternoon – backs Kyle Preston and Ruben Love, and forwards Peter Lakai and Asafo Aumua – while Caleb Clarke is set to return from his high ankle injury to join Auckland when they head to Porirua Park.

Ranfurly Shield holders, Waikato, will have Anton Lienert-Brown, who returned early from Argentina following a head knock, 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, August 29

North Harbour v Bay of Plenty – North Harbour Stadium, 7.05pm

Bay of Plenty: Emoni Narawa; Leroy Carter, Tevita Mafileo

Saturday, August 30

Canterbury v Manawatū – 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, August 31

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