Bronze clash not on TVNZ

It’s the game no one wants to play — and TVNZ will not screen the All Blacks’ playoff for the Rugby World Cup bronze medal with Wales on Friday night, preferring Coronation St to the build-up for the 10pm kickoff.

TVNZ confirmed it will not cover the match and will air its normal schedule which includes Coro , a news bulletin and Project Blue Book, saying “it’s not our choice“.

“TVNZ was given rights to cover 12 matches and unfortunately the bronze game wasn’t one,” a TVNZ spokeswoman said.

Spark Sport will stream the match live and the game will be broadcast live on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport.

All Blacks fans are shocked. “[It’s] arguably a more important game than any of the pool stages after the defeat in Yokohama,” one said.

For some, including skipper Kieran Read and coach Steve Hansen, it will be the last time they are closely involved with the All Blacks.

“For some of us it may be our last chance,” Read said.

Kiwi-born Welsh coach Warren Gatland described the their match against the All

Blacks as “monumental”.

“For me, it’s my last game in charge against the All Blacks,” Gatland said after his team lost their semifinal to South Africa 19-16.

The third and fourth place showdown is seen as the game nobody wants to play, with disappointed players having to drag their battered bodies into a season-ending contest, but there are still things to play for in Tokyo.

The All Blacks’ long winning record against Wales will be on the line. It will also see British and Irish Lions boss Gatland go head-to-head with Steve Hansen one last time, after the pair drew the 2017 series.

TVNZ will telecast the final between England and South Africa. It starts at 10pm on Saturday night.