15 Sep 2010

Some All Blacks back this week

12:34 pm on 15 September 2010

Eighteen players from the All Blacks squad have been made available to play in the National Provincial rugby Championship during the coming weeks, before their end of year tour.

That includes Liam Messam, who has already been playing for Waikato.

The New Zealand coach, Graham Henry, says the players who've played a lot of rugby during the Test season will be rested for longer than those who haven't had as much time on the park.

Liam Messam, Benson Stanley, Colin Slade, Anthony Boric and Rene Ranger have been made available for this week's NPC clashes.

By week 12 of the tournament, the bulk of the All Blacks squad will turn out for their provinces, while Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Kieren Read, Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Corey Jane and Mils Muliaina will get a longer break.

The New Zealand side will leave to travel to Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Ireland for the end of year tour on October the 24th.