All Black star returns from injury ahead of Bok clash
NEWS: Sixteen members of the All Black squad have been released to their Provincial Unions ahead of next week’s Rugby Championship showdown against the Springboks at Eden Park.
Those players will feature in this weekend’s fifth round of the National Provincial Championship.
The good news for the All Blacks is that Caleb Clarke is set to return from his high ankle injury to join Auckland when they head to Porirua Park for their clash against Wellington.
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Clarke suffered the injury in training ahead of the second Test against France in July.
A strong showing on Sunday could catch All Black coach Scott Robertson’s eye ahead of the series against the Springboks.
Meanwhile, backs Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter, as well as prop Tevita Mafileo, have been released to Bay of Plenty ahead of Friday’s outing against North Harbour.
On Saturday, 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 match.
Wellington will have four members of the All Blacks squad at their service on Sunday – backs Kyle Preston and Ruben Love, and forwards Peter Lakai and Asafo Aumua.
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.
