5 Apr 2017

Sport: NZ Rugby says Samoa game likely

5:46 am on 5 April 2017

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed it is in discussions with the Samoan Union over the possibility of a test match in June.

Earlier the Samoan Prime Minister and chair of the SRU, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi had said his union had made a proposal for another match against the All Blacks.

Now NZR chief executive Steve Tew has told Sky Sport that the All Blacks coaches are keen on a game before their Lions series in July and the option of Samoa is something they're looking into.

06092016 Photo: Rebekah Parsons-King. Gordon Tietjens steps down as All Blacks Sevens coach.  Pictured: Steve Tew, NZ Rugby Chief Executive.

NZ Rugby CEO Steve Tew says coaches keen on Pacific hit-out Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Tew said in 2005 the All Blacks played Fiji before the Lions series and that set them up for a very good first test performance in Christchurch.

Last week the New Zealand Herald reported any possible game would probably be held on June 16 in Auckland as part of a double-header with Wales playing Tonga at the same venue.

The last time Samoa and New Zealand met was in an historic first test in Apia in 2015, with New Zealand winning 25-16.

All Blacks wing George Moala in action against Manu Samoa

George Moala scored the All Blacks only try against Samoa in 2015 Photo: Photosport

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs