NEW ZEALAND

ABs get game time elsewhere

Thursday 17th July 2008

Stephen Donald: Going back to his grassroots

Nine members of the All Blacks squad have been cleared to compete in provincial or club rugby over the next three days.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has granted certain players game time during a week's break in their Tri-Nations programme.

His squad will regather in Wellington on Sunday to prepare for the Tri-Nations test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday next week.

Waikato quartet Stephen Donald, Richard Kahui, Sione Lauaki and Kevin O'Neill were scheduled to play in the province's pre-season match against Japanese side Suntory in Waihi on Friday.

Flanker Chris Masoe and prop Neemia Tialata are available for Wellington's match against Otago in Porirua on Saturday while Tialata is also likely to turn out for his Petone club on Saturday.

North Harbour back Anthony Tuitavake is cleared to play against Bay of Plenty in Tauranga tomorrow and Southland will have halfback Jimmy Cowan available for Saturday's match against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Hooker Keven Mealamu is expected to play for Otahuhu in Auckland club competition on Saturday.