All Blacks are a rarity in club rugby these days.
But this afternoon there will be two running around in Ranfurly in the green and red of Matakanui Combined.
Lock Tom Donnelly and winger Zac Guildford, who are both in need of some match play, are to turn out for the combined side in its match against top-of-the-table Maniototo at 3pm.
Matakanui has won just a couple of games this year, and assistant coach Andrew Paterson said the inclusion of the two All Blacks would be a big boost to his team.
"It will help our guys to lift their game playing with guys like this and also for the Maniototo guys to play against," he said.
"We don't see enough of All Blacks playing club rugby these days so to have two play for our club is pretty special."
Donnelly has been tied to the Matakanui Combined club for a couple of years as he has relatives in the area, while Guildford, who may play centre today, wanted some game time after being left out of the playing 22 for tomorrow night's test against Wales.
All Black hooker Andrew Hore, who farms in the Maniototo, is likely to be sidelined for the game as he recovers from a shoulder operation.
Matakanui and Maniototo is a local derby, with Maniototo winning the previous match this season 32-17.
Maniototo coach Ryan Dowling was looking forward to the battle, saying it would be great for his players to face the All Blacks.
He did not hesitate when asked if Matakanui could field the All Blacks.
