7 Oct 2008

More All Blacks back this week?

1:29 pm on 7 October 2008

The rest of the All Blacks still eligible are likely to return to provincial rugby this week for the quarter-finals of the Air New Zealand Cup.

Tasman confirmed yesterday that lock Brad Thorn will make his debut for the side in Friday night's match against Canterbury in Christchurch, however his international partner Ali Williams won't.

Tasman are likely to come up against All Black captain Richie McCaw, who trained with Canterbury yesterday and could play at number eight for the injured Mose Tuiali'i.

Waikato are unlikely to have first five Stephen Donald or loosie Liam Meesam who're both injured, but will welcome back fullback Mils Muliaina for their match against Hawke's Bay.

And Wellington have some injury concerns ahead of their quarter-final with Taranaki.... however centre Conrad Smith could be available for selection.... Ma'a Nonu came off the bench last weekend in the loss to Otago.