July Test

The first All Blacks squad of the year is expected to be named over the coming weeks, with the first test of the year scheduled against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on July 3.

Two tests against Fiji in Dunedin and Hamilton will follow in consecutive weeks, and speculation among fans and pundits about who could make the squad for the upcoming test series has been ongoing since the beginning of the Super Rugby season.

The team is most likely to be selected in New Zealand.

 “There will be a few overseas based players available.”

The match will take place at Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland on 3 July, kicking off at 7:05pm.

The test will help Tonga prepare for their World Cup 2023 Qualifying first-leg match against Samoa a week later on 10 July at a venue yet to be announced.

The second-leg World Cup 2023 Qualifying match between the two teams will be held in Hamilton on 17 July.