A couple of club sides will be in for rough rides when they are forced to face an All Black this weekend, but Israel Dagg will not be among the ring-ins.
Both Charles Piutau and Tawera Kerr-Barlow are set to continue their respective rehabilitations from knee injuries with a run in club rugby, boding well for the pair's long-term fitness ahead of an important international campaign.
Piutau, who suffered a grade two medial ligament strain with the Blues last month, will turn out for Pakuranga tomorrow, while Kerr-Barlow will join Hautapu for his first action since tearing a cruciate ligament against South Africa last year.
Dagg's inactivity, however, should not be construed as a negative, with the All Blacks coaches pleased with the fullback's fitness after the first camp of the year. Dagg, limited to five appearances for the Crusaders this season, has been stuck on the sidelines with a calf injury for the last 12 weeks, but was able to take a full part in training in Albany today.
"While it wasn't hard out, he did the physical parts when he needed to," said assistant coach Ian Foster. "We were keen to load him this week and then just give him a weekend off to see how he responds to that, but signs are very good."
