WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Nine members of the All Blacks squad have been released by coach Graham Henry to play in provincial or club rugby over the next three days.

Henry, who came under fire for resting 22 members of the All Blacks squad from half of last year's Super 14 competition, has allowed his bench players to get some game time during the squad's gap week in the Tri-Nations campaign.

Waikato players Stephen Donald, Richard Kahui, Sione Lauaki and Kevin O'Neill will play in the province's pre-season match against Japanese side Suntory in Waihi Beach on Thursday.

Flanker Chris Masoe and prop Neemia Tialata are available for Wellington's match against Otago in Porirua on Friday, while Tialata is also likely to play for his Petone club on Saturday.

North Harbour back Anthony Tuitavake is cleared to play against Bay of Plenty in Tauranga on Friday and Southland will have scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan available for Saturday's match against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Hooker Keven Mealamu is expected to play for Otahuhu in Auckland club competition on Saturday.

The All Blacks reassemble on Sunday to prepare for their Tri-Nations match against Australia in Sydney on July 26.

The Wallabies host South Africa in Perth on Saturday.

(Reporting by Andrew Stevens in Brisbane; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)