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All Blacks to play Fiji in San Diego as Test schedule is revealed

February 1, 2024
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, pictured after speaking to the media in Auckland.

Scott Robertson's first season as All Blacks coach will open with two home Tests against England, as well as a clash with Fiji in San Diego.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed the side will play 14 Tests in 2024, opening with matches against England in Dunedin and Auckland in July.

That's followed by the San Diego clash with Fiji and the Rugby Championship, which features two matches in South Africa.

The offshore Test against Fiji will be a revenue-generator for New Zealand Rugby. It will also be designed to spread the rugby gospel around North America.

The All Blacks will play Japan, a third Test against England, plus Ireland, France and Italy on the end of year tour.

"Playing England under the roof in Dunedin is a great start for us in a world class stadium, and then we go up to Auckland where we have a great record that we are really proud of," Robertson said.

"We then fly off to San Diego which is exciting in itself. The Fijians know their way around the world, and they’ll come out from everywhere. I know a lot of Kiwis will make the trip as well."

In an interview with Breakfast this morning, former All Blacks midfielder Ma'a Nonu, now playing for the San Diego Legion club, said: "You've got two of the most amazing teams coming to San Diego.

"There are a lot of Pacific Islanders who have grown up in the United States and there are a lot of kids playing rugby now. They're going to be seeing the stars like Rieko Ioane and Ardie Savea and then the [Fiji] players like Josua Tuisova and Semi Radrardra coming into the West Coast."

Another feature of the All Blacks' season is their two Tests against the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

“We are playing up on the highveld at Ellis Park and then down to Cape Town - they are iconic Tests and I know a lot of Kiwis will be excited about that," Robertson said.

"It is a great chance to find out about ourselves against the world champions.”

The All Blacks' last Test of 2023 was a painful one-point defeat at the hands of the Boks in the World Cup final in Paris.

All Blacks' 2024 schedule

July 6: England in Dunedin

July 13: England in Auckland

July 20: Fiji in San Diego

August 10: Argentina in Wellington

August 17: Argentina in Auckland

August 31: South Africa in Johannesburg

September 7: South Africa in Cape Town

September 21: Australia in Sydney

September 28: Australia in Wellington

October 26: Japan in Yokohama

November 2: England at Twickenham

November: 9: Ireland TBC

November 16: France TBC

November 23: Italy TBC

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