Report: All Blacks set to face surprise opponent during multi-million dollar end-of-year tour
The All Blacks could reportedly square off against a surprise opponent in one of two additional tests to the three matches already pencilled in for their end-of-year tour.
According to the New Zealand Herald, money-spinning tests against Wales and the United States are being planned by New Zealand Rugby [NZR] to take place in October.
NZR are reportedly looking to face off against the USA Eagles in a surprise clash at a yet-to-be-determined venue on October 23.
However, the Herald states the new 70,000-seat Allegiant Stadium, the home ground of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, has been presented to the NZR board as a possible venue.
Confirmation of the stadium’s use, though, would be dependant on the 2021 NFL schedule, which will be released in May.
The Herald reports that the All Blacks XV team, which was announced last March as a feeder side to the top-tier national team, could be used to face the USA Eagles after COVID-19 prevented the side from debuting last year.
The All Blacks still remain an option to face the USA Eagles, though, in what would be the two side’s first meeting since the New Zealanders thumped the Americans 74-6 at a sold-out Soldier Field in Chicago seven years ago.
A clash against Wales, meanwhile, is understood to be held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium a week later on October 30.
Under the guidance of Kiwi coach Wayne Pivac, Wales overcame a disastrous 2020 campaign, where they lost seven of their 10 matches, to become Six Nations champions last month.
The last time the two nations played each other was at the 2019 World Cup, where the All Blacks beat the Welsh 40-17 in the bronze final.
Wales, along with Scotland, were scheduled to travel to New Zealand to face the All Blacks in last July’s test window, but those plans were scuppered by the global pandemic.
The two matches against the USA and Wales, which sit outside World Rugby’s designated test windows, would add an extra $2-3 million per test to NZR’s coffers via broadcast, ticket sales, and sponsorship revenue.
The fixtures would also bring the total number of matches on the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour to five, as Ian Foster’s squad are already scheduled to face France, Italy and Ireland.
The Herald also reports that NZR are eyeing up a two-test series against Fiji and a one-off North vs South clash as an alternative option should Italy be unable to travel to New Zealand to face the All Blacks in their two-match test series in July.
Fiji are already scheduled to face the All Blacks once in July, but could be called upon to fill the void if the global pandemic prevents the Italians from making the trip in three months’ time.
Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to comments