Samoa vs All Blacks likely

SAMOA – New Zealand Rugby has confirmed it is in discussions with the Samoan Union over the possibility of a test match to be played in Auckland in June.

Earlier the Samoan Prime Minister and chair of the SRU, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi had said his union had made a proposal for another match against the All Blacks.

NZR chief executive Steve Tew has told Sky Sport that the All Blacks coaches are keen on a game before their Lions series in July and the option of Samoa is something they’re looking into.

Tew said in 2005 the All Blacks played Fiji before the Lions series and that set them up for a very good first test performance in Christchurch.

Last week the New Zealand Herald reported any possible game would probably be held on June 16 in Auckland as part of a double-header with Wales playing Tonga at the same venue.

The last time Samoa and New Zealand met was in an historic first test in Apia in 2015, with New Zealand winning 25-16.