Thirteen players will get a chance to boost their chances of securing a place in New Zealand's Tri-Nations squad when they play club rugby on Saturday ahead of the July 18 series opener against Australia.

With only a two-day training camp in Wellington prior to kicking off their Tri-Nations campaign in Auckland, players who have had limited game time over the last three weeks against France and Italy or who are on the comeback from injury will be handed a rare run out.

Graham Henry will name his 30-man squad for the Tri-Nations with captain Richie McCaw (knee) and Rodney So'oialo (neck) expected to return after missing the June Tests.

But 61-Test lock Ali Williams has been ruled out and will undergo surgery on his troublesome right Achilles tendon which will rule sideline him for four months

Sitiveni Sivivatu, who has been on the sidelines with a shoulder injury since the Chiefs' Super 14 semi-final against the Hurricanes, will be looking to prove his fitness with a game for Frankton in the Waikato.

Hooker Andrew Hore, who damaged rib cartilage in the first Test against France, will turn out for the Maniototo club in Otago.

For Luke McAlister, who will play for Silverdale in the greater Auckland region, on Saturday will provide a chance to find some confidence and form after a shaky outing against Italy last month - his first start for the All Blacks in over 18 months.

Props John Afoa, Aled de Malmanche, Wyatt Crockett and Owen Franks, wing Lelia Masaga, scrum-half Brendon Leonard, loose forwards Liam Messam and George Whitelock, lock Bryn Evans and utility back Cory Jane will also all feature at club level this weekend.