KEY POINTS:
Jimmy Cowan is in line for a promotion to the starting lineup for the All Blacks' Tri-Nations test against Australia next week.
Andy Ellis has worn the No 9 jersey for the opening tests of the year but has been criticised following last week's loss to South Africa.
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has hinted Cowan is due for his shot after recent off-field issues.
He says Cowan has been putting pressure on Ellis and that may be reflected next time they play.
Meanwhile, Cowan will continue his affinity with the reserve bench at provincial rugby level.
Cowan will watch from the bench when Southland play Canterbury in a pre-season match in Christchurch tomorrow, with the starting berth going to his younger brother Scott.
Having been among the All Blacks reserves through all five tests so far this year - and having played in three of them for a total of 39 minutes of action - the national selectors released Cowan for some extra game time this weekend.
Waikato's Stephen Donald, Richard Kahui, Sione Lauaki and Kevin O'Neill came through unscathed from their province's pre-season fixture against Japanese club team Suntory yesterday.
Flanker Chris Masoe and prop Neemia Tialata were to play for Wellington against Otago today while Anthony Tuitavake was to lineup for North Harbour against Bay of Plenty in Tauranga.
Southland
Robbie Robinson, Faaitu Tuamoheloa, Kendrick Lynn, Mark Wells, Matt Saunders, Blair Stewart, Scott Cowan, Hua Tamariki, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Daniel Ramsay, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, David Hall, Fai Mika. Reserves: Matt Holloway, Michael Peterson, Dion Bates, Noa Soqeta, Jimmy Cowan, Pehi Te Whare, Willie Rickards, Jason Rutledge, Tony Dodunski
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA
