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Classic New Zealand to head to football hotbed in 'historical moment'
Classic New Zealand are heading to Brazil this summer to clash with the Tupis in a match that will be hosted in São Paulo’s mythical Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu on August 29.
The Arena packs a total of 40k fans and has been home to some of Brazil’s most memorable sporting moments, ranging from hosting the Brazilian men’s and women’s football teams to rugby’s Americas Rugby Championship.
This won’t be the first time that a New Zealand team tours Brazil, as the Maori All Blacks faced the Tupis in 2018. At the time, and despite losing the game, the Brazilian scrum stole the show, pushing back their Maori All Blacks counterparts every single time.
New Zealand has previously been involved with Brazil, with the NZRU running activities in the country in the past, including former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson holding a consultancy role in 2013.
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Alexandre Chiofetti explained the value of hosting Classic New Zealand in a short statement on the union’s website.
“In 2018, the Maori All Blacks showed what rugby is all about to Brazil, as we got to see one of the best teams in the game playing and doing the Haka.
“This event is a precious and historical moment that will help us reach and engage with even more fans. Rugby in Brazil has the potential to grow.”
In 2024, the Classics faced Classic Taniwha featuring legends like Isaia Toeva, Charlie Faumuina, Hika Elliot, John Afoa, Chris Masoe, Stephen Donald, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Stephen Donald.
Despite missing qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Brazil haven’t taken their eyes off making rugby a mainstream sport in its country and the Classic New Zealand fixture is expected to be just the first of a series of big-time events in the South American country.
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