All Blacks firm up France, Canada tests
The New Zealand Rugby Union have confirmed Tests against France and Canada as part of their preparations for next year’s Tri-Nations and World Cup.
The All Blacks will play World Cup hosts France in Auckland and Wellington, and host the Canadians in Hamilton in mid-2007.
France, who will be hosting two Tests against the All Blacks next month, will open their tour of New Zealand on Saturday, June 2 at Eden Park, with the second match a week later at the capital’s Westpac Stadium.
Graham Henry’s men will then host Canada at Waikato Stadium another seven days later.
Ahead of the All Blacks’ forthcoming tour of Europe, Neemia Tialata is out of the practice match against a Heartland divisional XV.
The New Zealand medical staff are confident that his calf injury will not force him to miss the flight to Europe, although he may sit out the opening game against England at Twickenham.
