Nine All Blacks squad members have been cleared to play provincial or club rugby ahead of the Tri Nations Test against the Wallabies on Saturday week.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry took the chance to give the fringe players game time during a week's break in their Tri-Nations program.

His squad regathers in Wellington on Sunday to prepare for the clash with Australia in Sydney.

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

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

Winger Anthony Tuitavake is cleared to play for North Harbour against Bay of Plenty on Friday and Southland will have halfback Jimmy Cowan available for Saturday's match against Canterbury while hooker Keven Mealamu is expected to play for his club in Auckland on Saturday.

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