All Blacks Set To Play Warm-Up Game Ahead Of British & Irish Lions Tour

New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew has confirmed the All Blacks will play at least one match before this year’s Test series against the British & Irish Lions.

The Lions take on the world champions in three Tests in June and July, as well as seven other matches against Super Rugby clubs, the Maori All Blacks and a provincial Barbarians outfit.

Steve Hansen’s All Blacks last played in November on their autumn tour to Europe and were ready to go into battle with the Lions in June without any warm-up games. But New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew has now confirmed the All Blacks will play at least one match before the Test series with the Lions kicks off in Eden Park, Auckland on June 24.

The union was yet to decide if that match would be against a Test side, such as a Pacific Islands nation, or a Kiwi selection. An internal All Blacks vs All Blacks match, with extra players called in to make up the numbers, may also be on the cards.

“We know they’ll always have some form of hit-out at some stage when we get into these short lead-ups,” Tew said.

“We’re still giving it a little thought and the coaches have reflected on that over the past few weeks.”