All Blacks' Hong Kong test set to go

Fairfax Media

HYPED TO THE MAX: Marketing people have played havoc with the All Blacks 'brand' with their relentless slogans, and now even the haka has ceased to be special.

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The All Blacks' match against Australia in Hong Kong will be played in October, according to a report out last night.

As reported by Sunday News on July 15, the All Blacks will play a Grand Slam at the end of this year after playing a test against Australia in Hong Kong en route to the UK.

It was also revealed the All Blacks who will take a record 40-plus players on the tour and will play midweek games against European club sides.

It's thought the tour will bring the NZRU a cash bonanza of around $15 million.

Last week NZRU boss Steve Tew confirmed the Grand Slam was on and that negotiations with Hong Kong and club sides should be complete by the end of next month.

And yesterday the South China Times reported details of the test will be hammered out by officials from the countries' rugby unions when they pay a three-day visit to the city on Sunday, the daily added.

"We have approval from the IRB, who have no objection to Australia and New Zealand playing here," Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) executive director Allan Payne told the paper.

"There is a lot of support for the match and we are closer to signing a deal."

The officials will visit Hong Kong Stadium, the proposed venue, and discuss issues including television rights and how revenue will be shared between the Australian, New Zealand and Hong Kong rugby unions, the paper said.

- © Fairfax NZ News