Rugby: Ryan Crotty and Codie Taylor cleared to play for Canterbury

Codie Taylor after suffering a concussion against Australia. Photo / Photosport

Midfielder Ryan Crotty and hooker Codie Taylor, not selected for the All Blacks last weekend due to head knocks, have been cleared to play for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup.

The pair, plus lock Luke Romano, will be available for their team's match against Northland in Whangarei on Saturday.

With big victories over Auckland and Tasman, Canterbury are looking ominous as they attempt to defend their premiership title.

With the All Blacks not assembling in Hamilton until Sunday for their test against Argentina at Waikato Stadium, several other players have been released to their provinces.

Otago hooker Liam Coltman, Taranaki midfielder Seta Tamanivalu and Waikato first-five Damian McKenzie will reassemble with the All Blacks as injury cover, with North Harbour hooker James Parsons and Auckland outside back Rieko Ioane available to play for their provinces.

The following All Blacks will be available for Mitre 10 Cup duties, if required this week:

Liam Coltman (Otago v Northland, Wednesday August 31 and Bay of Plenty v Otago, Sunday September 4)

Lima Sopoaga and Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina and Rieko Ioane (Southland v Auckland, Friday September 2)

Seta Tamanivalu (Tasman v Taranaki, Saturday September 3)

James Parsons (Wellington v North Harbour, Saturday September 3)

Luke Romano, Ryan Crotty and Codie Taylor (Northland v Canterbury, Saturday September 3)

Damian McKenzie (Waikato v Manawatu, Sunday September 4)