ABs head back to club rugby

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Thirteen All Blacks will head back to their roots this weekend as they make rare returns to their provinces to play club rugby.

The recently returned Luke McAlister will try to get his groove back as he runs out for Silverdale, while across the bridge John Afoa will join several of his Auckland and Blues teammates for University.

One of the newest All Blacks, and reportedly the team's new comedian, Lelia Masaga, will take the field for Papakura as his own club, Manurewa, has a bye.

In the Waikato, Sitiveni Sivivatu will be a sight for Graham Henry's sore eyes as he's expected to make a welcome return following a shoulder injury suffered in the Chiefs semi-final win against the Hurricanes.

Halfback Brendon Leonard, who only recently returned for the Italy game following a lengthy stint on the sidelines through injury, also returns.

Liam Messam, who was dropped following the first test loss against France, will play for Hautapu, while strongman Aled de Malmanche will play for Hamilton Old Boys against Melville.

Newcomer Bryn Evans will look to help his Havelock North team against Napier Old Boys Marist in a crucial match in Hawke's Bay, while Cory Jane will play for Upper Hutt against Marist St Pats in Wellington.

In the Canterbury club competition, Owen Franks and team mate George Whitelock are set to go head-to-head as their respective clubs clash at the weekend, while Wyatt Crockett will also turn out for Burnside.

Injured hooker Andrew Hore also returns from injury, though he will do it outside his home province of Taranaki when he strips for Maniototo in central Otago.

The players' brief return to club rugby comes ahead of the All Blacks' campaign to retain the Tri Nations trophy and the Bledisloe Cup in a series against South Africa and Australia.

- © Fairfax NZ News