Rugby: ABs included in Blues squad

Joe Rokocoko of the Blues during last weekend's pre-season match against the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images

A close to full strength Blues line up will face the Chiefs in their second Super 14 pre-season match at North Harbour Stadium this evening.

With the exception of prop Tony Woodcock, coach Pat Lam has included all his All Blacks in the 26 man playing squad.

Lam says it is important to get them back up to speed with just two weeks to go until the competition kicks off. He says some of his All Blacks have only just started back to training and need to get familiar with the team structures.

Also this evening the Hurricanes host the Brumbies in Porirua, while tonight the Crusaders face the Reds in Brisbane.

- NEWSTALK ZB