Samoa hitout ideal for All Blacks
The Lions tour shakedown is officially on, with New Zealand Rugby confirming the All Blacks’ hitout against Samoa at Eden Park on Friday, June 16.
It will be part of a Pasifika Challenge double-header in Auckland with the All Blacks-samoa test (8pm) preceded by Tonga playing Wales (5.30pm).
NZR chief strategy and operations officer Nigel Cass said the occasion was an exciting opportunity to showcase the Pacific Island game, not to mention give All Blacks coach Steve Hansen the rust-removing match his team needs ahead of their three-test series against Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions.
After the test between Tonga and Wales was moved to Auckland it made sense to combine it with the All Blacks’ hitout against Samoa and turn the occasion into a Pacific double-header, Cass said.
Hansen reiterated the sentiment.
‘‘It’s great that we’re going to play Samoa,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘It allows us to fill a need for ourselves as we need a game to prepare for the Lions and also give something back to Pasifika rugby.’’
Samoa coach Alama Ieremia said the opportunity to play the All Blacks slotted perfectly into their June schedule. ‘‘It gives us a great buildup for our June and July internationals,’’ he said.
Tongan Rugby CEO Fe’ao Vunipola said it was a ‘‘fantastic opportunity’’ to be part of a doubleheader with the All Blacks playing Samoa.
Added Wales coach Robin Mcbryde: ‘‘We have a huge amount of respect for rugby’s Pacific heritage, so to be able to compete in a double-header celebrating that is very special. It should be a fantastic occasion.’’