Underperforming winger Rieko Ioane, along with eight other All Blacks, have been released by team management to play for their respective domestic teams in the third round of the Mitre 10 Cup.
Ioane, who was dropped from Saturday's 36‑0 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park in favour of George Bridge, will likely line‑up for Auckland at the same venue when they play Bay of Plenty this weekend.
TVNZ reports the other released All Blacks include halfback Brad Weber for Hawke's Bay and Wellington's Vaea Fifita.
Otago could get a big boost with both Liam Coltman and Josh Ioane freed up too.
Ioane has struggled since the Super Rugby season, and poor performances in the black jersey solidified All Blacks coach Steve Hansen's decision to bench him.
The All Blacks have one Test left against Tonga on September 7 in Hamilton before heading to the World Cup.
Released All Blacks:
Brad Weber (Hawke's Bay) and Liam Coltman and Josh Ioane (Otago) for their match at McLean Park, Napier, on Thursday 22 August.
Vaea Fifita (Wellington) and Braydon Ennor (Canterbury) for their match at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, on Friday 23 August.
Atu Moli (Tasman) and Jackson Hemopo (Manawatu) for their match at Lansdowne Park, Blenheim, on Saturday 24 August.
Rieko Ioane for Auckland vs Bay of Plenty, Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday 24 August.
Luke Jacobson for Waikato vs Counties Manukau, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe, Saturday 24 August.
TVNZ
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