The All Blacks are getting ready to head out to Japan to take part in the third part of the Bledisloe Cup for two tests – against Japan and Australia. Once they’ve completed the tests, the team will be flying off to Europe, where they will be taking on England, Ireland, and Italy.
The All Blacks have been keen on visiting the Japanese front, believing that the two weeks they spend in the country will give them some insight into what to expect from next year’s Rugby World Cup. Coach Steve Hansen has explained that it’s like a dress rehearsal for their first game of next year’s tournament, which they will be playing against the Springboks, their biggest opponents at the moment.
Hansen told reporters that the game against South Africa will be a big match, and that they have plenty of time to prepare for it. He explained that their current trip to Japan has some benefits for both the staff and the players, allowing them to get a taste of what the team can look forward to next year.
Although the Bledisloe Cup is all but another victory for the team, they are more excited about the European part of their end-of-year tour, which will feature clashes with England and Ireland that could be mirrored in next year’s event.
32 players will be assembling for their test against the Wallabies, with 22 of that team heading off to London immediately afterwards.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ladbrokes |  | 5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Betway | | 4.9/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now Review |
| 4 |  | Picklebet | | 4.6/5 | Login to see promotions | Bet now Review |
More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
You May Also Like:
SA Six Nations Plan Could Spark Bidding War
If South Africa were to join the Six Nations, such a move could potentially spark a bidding war to host the British & Irish Lions tour in 2033. The list ….
Kawa Leauma Dies After Freak Accident
Tragic news confirmed on Wednesday is that New Zealand lock Kawa Leauma has died of the head injuries sustained during an accident in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The Spanish Rugby ….
Kawa Leauma Suffers Serious Head Injuries
New Zealand rugby player Kawa Leauma is reportedly in a critical condition in hospital after falling eight metres. Leauma, who is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Amsterdam, is said ….
Quade Cooper May Soon Call Australia Home
Wallabies star Quade Cooper told the media this week that he will be taking another citizenship test– a test that will hopefully allow him to finally call Australia his home. ….
World Rugby Says About Dementia
World Rugby has reportedly now told players that head impacts and concussions aren’t the only factors known to contribute to the early onset of dementia. The organisation allegedly said this ….