AB 'dirty dozen' on ANZC mission
Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:26
Twelve members of the current All Blacks squad have been released by coach Graham Henry to do duty for their provincial teams in the Air New Zealand Cup.
New Zealand will not be in Test action in the Tri-Nations again until September 13, but will play a one-off Test against Samoa on September 3.
The two-week break has prompted the New Zealand management to release some of the players for provincial duty.
Ten players have been released for both Rounds Four and Five of the Air New Zealand Cup
Prop John Afoa, hooker Keven Mealamu and utility back Isaia Toeava all return to reinforce the Auckland squad ahead of their Ranfurly Shield defence against Manawatu.
Lock Anthony Boric, flyhalf Stephen Donald, loose forward Sione Lauaki, wing Anthony Tuitavake, scrumhalf Piri Weepu and wing Rudi Wulf will also play for their provinces this coming weekend.
Loose forward Adam Thomson and scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan will also be available to play in Round Five of the domestic competition.
