SAMOA

All Blacks confirm Manu Samoa date

Monday 09th June 2008

Rare meeting: The All Blacks have only played Manu Samoa four times before

New Zealand have confirmed they will play Manu Samoa on September 3, filling a gap in the Tri-Nations caused by their bye.

The extra Test for the All Blacks will be played in New Plymouth, the first time a Test has ever been played there.

It has been scheduled to be played on a Wednesday so that it doesn't interfere with the Air New Zealand Cup.

"The All Blacks need an extra test as there is a four-week break between their Tri-nations game against South Africa in Cape Town (Saturday 16 August) and their last game of the tournament against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday 13 September," NZRU boss Steve Tew told NZPA.

"Taranaki has shown that they can host big matches, including most recently the British and Irish Lions match against Taranaki in 2005 and the New Zealand Maori v England match in 2003.

"I'm sure they will deliver a fantastic event and we are excited that they will be hosting their first-ever All Blacks Test."

Previously the NZRU had been linked with a possible Test against Argentina, who are set to play the Springboks in August.

But a proviso for an All Black and Pumas clash was that Argentina had its best players on deck.

"However, problems with arranging the release of Argentina's top players meant this was not going to be feasible so we are thankful that Manu Samoa has agreed to play the All Blacks," Tew added.

The NZRU will help the Samoan Rugby Union with costs associated in participating in the Test.

"We are committed to doing our part to help develop rugby in the Pacific Islands and the match will give Manu Samoa the chance to test themselves against the All Blacks," Tew said.

The All Blacks have played just four Tests against Manu Samoa, with the most recent the 50-6 win to the All Blacks at North Harbour Stadium in Albany in 2001.

The extra Test would be subject to IRB approval and the match will be played under the Tri-nations experimental law variations.