Thirteen All Blacks will play club rugby this weekend to help sharpen up for the Tri-Nations.

Coach Graham Henry has designated certain players turn out for their clubs to remain fresh ahead of his announcement of the Tri-Nations squad on Saturday.

The first Test is against Australia in Auckland on July 18.

It is notable that neither captain Richie McCaw nor fellow loose forward Rodney So'oialo have been asked to play, even though both have been out for at least six weeks recovering from injuries.

In Auckland, five-eighth Luke McAlister will play for his Silverdale club while prop John Afoa will play alongside many of his Auckland and Blues teammates for University.

In the Counties Manukau club competition, winger Lelia Masaga's Manurewa team have a bye so Masaga has been given approval to play for Papakura.

In Waikato, winger Sitiveni Sivivatu will play for Frankton in his return from injury, halfback Brendon Leonard will run out for Morrinsville Sports, loose forward Liam Messam will play for Hautapu and hooker Aled de Malmanche will play for Hamilton Old Boys.

In Hawke's Bay, lock Bryn Evans will turn out for Havelock North while fullback Cory Jane plays for Upper Hutt in the Wellington competition.

In Canterbury, Wyatt Crockett will play for Burnside while Owen Franks will take on his All Blacks teammate George Whitelock when his Linwood side face High School Old Boys.

Meanwhile, Andrew Hore will play for Maniototo against Matakanui Combined in the Otago Country Central Region club competition.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP