The 2021 Steinlager Series will be anchored on two Tests between the All Blacks and Fiji in what will be the first time the All Blacks have played back-to-back Tests against the Flying Fijians.
The All Blacks have played Fiji nine times before, but not since 2011 in what was the final Test match at Carisbrook in Dunedin. The first match against Fiji was in Suva in 1974, with the All Blacks pipping the home side that day 14-13.
The Steinlager Series will kick off on Saturday 3 July with the All Blacks playing at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, for the first time in what will be an historic Test against Tonga. The match is also a double-header with the Māori All Blacks playing Manu Samoa beforehand.
The action moves to Dunedin the following weekend for the first All Blacks vs Fiji Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, on Saturday 10 July. The following weekend, Saturday 17 July, will be a second double-header day of international rugby, with the All Blacks second Test against the Flying Fijians at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, and Tonga playing Samoa in a RWC 2023 Qualifying match prior.
New Zealand Rugby NZR CEO Mark Robinson said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to confirm what will be a fantastic series of matches featuring the All Blacks, Māori All Blacks and our Pacific neighbours, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
“We look forward to welcoming the Flying Fijians to New Zealand for what will be an historic, first-ever, back-to-back All Blacks Test Series against them.
“We know the passionate All Blacks and Māori All Blacks fans, together with the fanatical Pasifika fans, will make these game days very special occasions.” All Blacks Tonga Rugby game
Recent Comments