Rugby: Waikato welcome back All Blacks trio

All Black Stephen Donald will start at first-five for Waikato against North Harbour on Thursday. Photo / Richard Robinson

Waikato's flagging Air NZ Cup rugby fortunes have been boosted by the return of three All Blacks.

Hooker Aled de Malmanche, halfback Brendon Leonard and first five-eighth Stephen Donald have all been named in the starting 15 to play North Harbour in Hamilton on Thursday night.

Their availability is timely for Waikato, who need a win to keep their spot in the top eight.

De Malmanche will pack down in a front row welcoming back prop Nathan White, who has recovered from a back strain while Donald's return helps compensate for a shoulder injury which ruled out Trent Renata.

Waikato
Sosene Anesi, Tim Mikkelson, Jackson Willison, Callum Bruce, Dwayne Sweeney, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Alex Bradley, Jack Lam, Liam Messam (captain), Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Nathan White, Aled de Malmanche, Hikairo Forbes.

Reserves: Ole Avei, Latu Talakai, Kent Fife/Romana Graham, Jordan Smiler, David Bason, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Henry Speight.

- NZPA