A number of the All Blacks squad have again been made available for ITM Cup provincial rugby games this week, if required by their provinces, ahead of the All Blacks departure to South Africa this weekend.

The 26–man All Blacks squad flies to South Africa this Saturday to prepare for the Tri Nations away Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday 21 August, with loose forward Liam Messam and midfielder Richard Kahui, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, to stay in New Zealand.

Halfback Jimmy Cowan, who is recovering from a rib cartilage injury, will be assessed by All Blacks medical staff on Thursday to see if he is fit to travel. If he is ruled out, halfback Alby Mathewson will travel in his place.

The ITM Cup round 3 action this week (with players available for selection in brackets) is as follows:

· Tasman (Ben Franks) vs Hawke’s Bay (Israel Dagg), Blenheim, Thursday 12 August.

· Canterbury (Corey Flynn and Samuel Whitelock) v North Harbour (Anthony Boric), Christchurch, Friday 13 August.

· Waikato (Liam Messam) vs Taranaki, Hamilton, Sunday 15 August.

All Blacks Tri Nations squad for South Africa

Forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Victor Vito, Samuel Whitelock and Tony Woodcock.

Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan / Alby Mathewson, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Josevata Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley and Piri Weepu.