All Blacks unleashed on NPC
The third round of the NPC will be boosted with the presence of 10 All Blacks.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen confirmed that a group of players would be released from the squad.
Auckland are the chief beneficiaries, with three All Blacks available.
Hawke's Bay, who have a Ranfurly Shield challenge, will be able to call upon Israel Dagg.
The World Cup holders' next match in Rugby Championship encounter with Argentina in Napier on September 6.
The All Blacks released are Charlie Faumuina (Auckland), Charles Piutau (Auckland), Steven Luatua (Auckland), Colin Slade (Canterbury), Joe Moody (Canterbury), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Waikato), TJ Perenara (Wellington), Jeremy Thrush (Wellington) Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay) and Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty).
* Meanwhile Auckland bounced back from a first round defeat to record a 35-7 victory over Manawatu in Palmerston North on Sunday.
With improved performances across the park, the Auckland team were determined on defence and showed glimpses of brilliance on attack.
* In the other Sunday match newly promoted Tasman continued their good start in the competition's Premiership.
The Makos, who begun with a 35-15 victory over Hawke's Bay, registered their second bonus-point victory with a 56-27 victory over Bay of Plenty.
With the way Tasman are playing, teams in the Premiership should be concerned. The Makos are an attacking side with strike power across the paddock.
Scores and scorers:
Manawatu 7-35 Auckland
Manawatu:
Try: Eves
Con: Black
Auckland:
Tries: Anscombe, Moala, Saili, Saili
Cons: Anscombe 2, Hickey
Pens: Anscombe 3
Bay of Plenty 27-56 Tasman
Tasman:
Tries: MacDonald, Marshall, Christie, Fonotia, Lowe, Banks, Havili
Cons: Banks 6
Pens: Banks 3
Bay of Plenty:
Tries: Kainga, Royal, Nemani, Bardoul
Cons: Hollinshead 2
Pen: Hollinshead
Standings (under headings played, won, drawn, lost, points difference, bonus points and league points):
Championship
1 Southland 2 2 0 0 15 0 8
2 Northland 2 1 0 1 25 2 6
3 Otago 2 1 0 1 10 1 5
4 H Bay 2 1 0 1 -17 0 4
5 Manawatu 2 1 0 1 -23 0 4
6 N Harbour 2 0 0 2 -18 1 1
7 BOP 2 0 0 2 -40 1 1
Premiership
1 Canterbury 2 2 0 0 70 2 10
2 Tasman 2 2 0 0 49 2 10
3 C Manukau 2 1 1 0 4 1 7
4 Auckland 2 1 0 1 -11 1 5
5 Waikato 2 1 0 1 -19 1 5
6 Taranaki 2 0 1 1 -3 1 3
7 Wellington 2 0 0 2 -42 0 0
