The All Blacks have confirmed a historic battle with Fiji in San Diego as part of their 2024 Test Schedule, which marks the start of a new era for the squad under Scott Robertson.
The new head coach will lead 14 Tests in his maiden season on the international stage, beginning with two games against England in the middle of the year in Dunedin and Auckland before traveling to the United States to face Fiji.
Robertson will play his debut Rugby Championship game against Argentina in Wellington in early August, followed by a week later against Los Pumas at Eden Park as part of the South American side’s’mini-tour’.
The All Blacks then go on a ‘mini-tour’ of their own to the old foe, the Springboks, who they face in back-to-back Tests before returning to Australasia for the Bledisloe Cup.
To close out the year, the New Zealanders head north to face Japan, England, Ireland, France and Italy in the Autumn Nations Series.
Ready to start
Robertson is raring to go with the All Blacks and believes beginning his tenure against England is a perfect start.
“Playing England under the roof in Dunedin is a great start for us in a world-class stadium, and then we go up to Auckland where we have a great record that we are really proud of,” Robertson said.
“We then fly off to San Diego, which is exciting in itself. The Fijians know their way around the world, and they’ll come out from everywhere. I know a lot of Kiwis will make the trip as well.”
As any All Blacks boss would, Robertson is particularly excited to face up to the Springboks later this year.
“We are playing up on the Highveld at Ellis Park and then down to Cape Town – they are iconic Tests and I know a lot of Kiwis will be excited about that. It is a great chance to find out about ourselves against the world champions. It’s a chance to support us locally but also internationally. It’s also a chance to get behind this team and experience it with us, which is the exciting thing about it. And be proud to wear your All Blacks jersey no matter where we go.”
Mark Robinson, CEO of New Zealand Rugby, reiterated his coach’s sentiments and highlighted the significance of the match against Fiji.
“There is no greater way to begin the year on home turf. “To have four of the first five Tests of 2024 at home in Aotearoa, Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland is a fantastic result, and we’re thrilled to be taking the All Blacks to San Diego to play Fiji,” he added.
“It’s been a long-held ambition for New Zealand Rugby, as part of our overall strategy, to increase rugby visibility and understanding in North America, as well as to build our brand presence ahead of the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, respectively.”
“The All Blacks and Fiji share a deep connection to the game of rugby and the Pacific region, and we’d like to thank USA Rugby and our event partner, TEG Rugby Live, for embracing the opportunity to bring this Test to America. We hope to deliver an event that captures the imagination of sports fans across the United States and showcases the best qualities of our game.” It promises to be a unique and fun afternoon of rugby and Pacific culture, as well as a terrific way to promote the game.”
The All Blacks 2024 Test schedule
New Zealand v England
Date: Saturday, 6 July
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
New Zealand v England
Date: Saturday, 13 July
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand v Fiji
Date: Saturday, 20 July
Venue: SnapDragon Stadium, San Diego
New Zealand v Argentina
Date: Saturday, 10 August
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
New Zealand v Argentina
Date: Saturday, 17 August
Venue: Eden Park, New Zealand
South Africa v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 31 August
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
South Africa v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 7 September
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Australia v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 21 September
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
New Zealand v Australia
Date: Saturday, 28 September
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Japan v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 26 October
Venue: Nissan Stadium, Yokohama
England v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 2 November
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Ireland v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 9 November
Venue: TBC
France v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 16 November
Venue: TBC
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