The All Blacks are considering a cross-code rugby union v league clash against Australia’s national team, the Kangaroos.
And the historical clash can even take place this year already.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) on Thursday revealed that it’s considering a proposal for the December 5 clash as both codes look to generate much-needed revenue in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown.
NZR CEO Mark Robinson says: “We have had an approach.
“We’re interested in learning more and... we will work that through and go through the proper process of making a decision if it has got merit to go further.”
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, meanwhile, tells Australian media that he is keen on the idea for the game, which would involve 14-players on each team.
No other details on what rules the game might be played under have been released.
Meninga says: “We are in
serious negotiations. This would take the Kangaroos to the world. There will be global recognition.
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“The best from our game
versus the best from the New Zealand game... let’s do it.”
While NZR is interested in the idea, Robinson says it is one of many opportunities presented to his organisation as they seek to recoup lost revenue following the Covid-19 shutdown and with international rugby in doubt for the rest of the year.
Robinson added that the priority was to get the All Blacks playing rugby union Tests, but it was too early to determine how the Bledisloe Cup Tests against the Wallabies or the southern hemisphere’s Rugby Championship would be played out.