The All Blacks have had a week off following their 30-28 defeat to South Africa in Dunedin on July 12 but Tialata pulled on his boots on Friday to play for Wellington in a pre-season match against Otago and then turned out for his club Petone the following day before re-assembling with his international team-mates in Wellington on Sunday.

The 26-year-old prop has played less than 20 minutes of international rugby in the All Blacks' past two Tri-Nations Tests against South Africa after dropping to the bench following the return of Tony Woodcock from a foot injury.

He came on for the final 27 minutes of Wellington's 45-10 pre-season win and was happy to get a bit of a work-out.

"I pretty much haven't done anything for the last two weeks. I've only seen 10 minutes of test match footy in the last two weeks so I'm happy to be given the chance to play," he said.

Tialata, who can pack down on either side of the scrum, admitted dropping down to the bench after starting the Tests against Ireland and England (two) had taken some adjustment.

"It's not that easy, especially as I'm having to train both sides and making sure I know my role on both sides.

"It's quite tricky coming off the bench because you don't know what you're going to play."

Tialata however, doesn't see his versatility as a hindrance.

"It's a bonus because basically I've been playing both sides for the last five, six years and I like it.

"As long as I'm in the squad I'm happy enough to do whatever." Waikato also welcomed back some of their All Blacks for a pre-season hit-out against Japanese side Suntory.

Kevin O'Neill, Richard Kahui and Sione Lauaki (two) all scored tries in Waikato's 60-31 win with Stephen Donald kicking five conversions.

Elsewhere, Anthony Tuitavake played in North Harbour's 33-29 pre-season loss to Bay of Plenty, Jimmy Cowan came off the bench for Southland in their pre-season game against Canterbury in Christchurch and Keven Mealamu turned out for Otahuhu in Auckland club rugby.