9 All Blacks players released for round three of national championship

Nine All Blacks players have been released to their provinces for round three of the national championship.

Outside backs Nehe Milner‑Skudder and Waisake Naholo have the most to gain with Ben Smith’s sabbatical leaving the right‑wing position up for grabs ahead of the All Blacks next test against Argentina next Saturday.

Milner‑Skudder and Ngani Laumape will both turn out for Manawatu against Otago in Dunedin on Saturday, while Naholo will play for Taranaki against Counties‑Manukau in New Plymouth.

David Havili returns to the Tasman while Tawera Kerr‑Barlow will feature for Waikatio on Sunday.

Loose‑forward Akira Ioane links up with Auckland for Wednesday night’s game against Otago at Eden Park.

Thursday night’s clash in Rotorua sees hooker Nathan Harris fronting up for Bay of Plenty while forwards Vaea Fifita and Jeff Toomaga‑Allen are available for Wellington.

The All Blacks will host Argentina at 7.35pm Saturday while Australia will host South Africa at 10pm.