Several All Blacks including Hoskins Sotutu released to play in the opening round of NPC this week

Several main All Blacks players are likely to miss this week's first Bledisloe Test against the Wallabies after they have been released to play in the opening round of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC if required by their provincial teams.

Loose forward Hoskins Sotutu will be available for the Counties Manukau Steelers for their opening match against the Manawatu Turbos in Palmerston North this Friday night, lock Tupou Vaa’i is available for Taranaki for their match against Hawke’s Bay in New Plymouth on Saturday, and hooker Asafo Aumua and halfback TJ Perenara are available for the Wellington Lions versus Northland Taniwha clash in Wellington.

Meanwhile, midfielder Braydon Ennor will also return to his Canterbury team this week to prepare for his return to rugby.

The players left the All Blacks camp last night to assemble with their provincial teams.

Some additional All Blacks squad players may also be released for Bunnings Warehouse NPC matches on Sunday, with a decision to be made following this weekend’s opening Bledisloe Cup Test.

The All Blacks will play the Wallabies at 7.05pm this Saturday.

[Source: All Blacks]