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All Blacks confirm 2021 schedule, lock in test with fast-improving France


New Zealand will play hosts France in Pool A. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
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The All Blacks will attempt an ambitious tour of Europe in 2021, despite the ongoing threat of Covid-19 on the continent.

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New Zealand Rugby announced the side will host Italy and Fiji in their July test window ahead of the Rugby Championship, followed by a tour to Europe for matches against Ireland and France, as well as a further match against the Azzuri in Rome, as part of an end of year tour.

Along with the announcement came the disclaimer that all games will depend on the current situation regarding Covid-19 in each country involved as well as any border restrictions that may arise.

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The Breakdown panel discuss the latest Healthspan Elite Fan’s Voice poll on what is the All Blacks highest priority for next year and Tabai Matson breaks down what he saw in the Tri-Nations.

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The Breakdown panel discuss the latest Healthspan Elite Fan’s Voice poll on what is the All Blacks highest priority for next year and Tabai Matson breaks down what he saw in the Tri-Nations.

Europe is currently the region of the world most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

NZ Rugby is also keen for two more yet to be finalised matches in November, with all games Covid-19 and border dependent.

Meanwhile, NZR also announced that it will receive a $5.41 million investment from the Government as part of the sports recovery package due to the impacts of Covid-19.

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said $3 million of the package will be dedicated to growing M?ori, women, girls and disability rugby, as well as community and referee initiatives.

The rest of the $2.41 million will be put into rugby sevens to help prepare for the Tokyo Olympics next year.

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Robinson also provided updates on Super Rugby and provincial competitions, saying the draw for Super Rugby transtasman will be announced on Monday.

The format of the Mitre 10 Cup remains unknown with Robinson saying more time is needed to determine the future of the competition.

NZR and the provincial unions have been in discussions over a revamped Mitre 10 Cup model since early November.

Robinson did confirm that provincial unions will take a 10 per cent hit in funding.

Meanwhile, the Farah Palmer Cup would revert to its old format in 2021, and the Heartland Championship would return after a year off.

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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