New Zealand Rugby have confirmed the All Blacks will play Samoa in a one-off warm-up test in Auckland before the British and Irish Lions tour, with Tonga to play Wales before hand in a Pacific double-header.
George Moala playing for the All Blacks against Samoa in Apia. Photo: Photosport
The tests will be played at Eden Park on Friday, June 16th.
The Tonga-Wales Test will kick off at 5.30pm, followed by the All Blacks-Samoa Test at 8.00pm.
The opening test between the Lions and All Blacks is the following Saturday (June 24) at the same venue.
The All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen says it's a great opportunity to showcase Pacific rugby.
"It's great that we're going to play Samoa. Along with Tonga and Wales it's going to be a wonderful evening where you've got Pasifika rugby on show and Welsh rugby and New Zealand rugby. 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."
Manu Samoa Head Coach and former All Black Alama Ieremia says the opportunity to play the All Blacks slotted perfectly into their June schedule.
"The addition of this match has been perfectly timed for us. It gives us a great build-up for our June and July internationals.
"We know from hosting the All Blacks in 2015 that New Zealand has a special connection with Samoa and with Samoan rugby. We welcome the opportunity to give our players some much needed Test rugby, as well as a rare opportunity to play the best team in the world.
"We look forward to coming to Eden Park where hopefully our friends from all around the Pacific will help to make this feel as much of a home game for Samoa and Tonga as it is for the All Blacks."
-RNZ