All Blacks available for Air New Zealand Cup rounds 5 and 6
24th August 2009 02:32PM
The majority of the All Blacks squad, which has returned from Sydney today after the Bledisloe Cup win over Australia, will be available for selection for their Air New Zealand Cup provincial teams over the next two weekends before the Investec Tri Nations home Tests against South Africa and Australia.
The players will be available for one or two games of Air New Zealand Cup action, with provincial coaches to make the call if and when the players play.
The players available for one game are Richie McCaw, John Afoa, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Brad Thorn and Tony Woodcock.
The players available for two games are Wyatt Crockett, Aled de Malmanche, Jason Eaton, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Rodney So'oialo, Neemia Tialata, Isaia Toeava and Piri Weepu.
A decision on the availability of Dan Carter and Kieran Read, who are sore after last night's Bledisloe Cup victory, will be made over the next few days.
An update on Luke McAlister, who fractured his right cheekbone in last night's Test, as well as Conrad Smith, who strained his left hamstring, will be made in the next 24 hours once they have been further assessed following their flights home.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks will come together for a one-day training camp in Christchurch on Wednesday 2 September before assembling in Hamilton on Sunday 6 September to prepare for the Test against South Africa at Waikato Stadium on Saturday 12 September. The All Blacks play Australia in Wellington on Saturday 19 September in the final match of the Investec Tri Nations.
