The All Blacks have released 16 players from their extended Rugby Championship squad to play in the NPC this weekend

Wellington and Waikato are the chief beneficiaries, getting four each.

Kyle Preston, Peter Lakai, Ruben Love and Asafo Aumua return to Wellington duty, while Anton Lienert-Brown, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau and Ollie Norris are available to play in Waikato's Ranfurly Shield defence against Southland.

Bay of Plenty receive a triple boost for Friday's away match with North Harbour in the form of Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Tevita Mafileo.

Caleb Clarke is set for his first game since the Super Rugby semi-finals - he's been released to Auckland.

NPC COVERAGE WITH GALLAGHER INSURANCE. PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR NATIONAL GAME