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Fiji will play against the All Blacks XV at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday, October 31. The neutral venue clash will be the main event of a two-night offering that will see Canada play the USA on Friday evening of what is being dubbed ‘Halloween Rugby Weekend.’
It’s a similar concept to the USA’s ‘Rugby Weekend’ in Chicago last year, with Rugby Canada hoping the two high-profile matches will engage the local populace. First revealed in December by Fiji Rugby’s CEO John O’Connor, the event was confirmed prior to Sunday’s Cup Final at the Vancouver Sevens.
The All Blacks XV is the new designated ‘second senior side’ of New Zealand that replaces the defunct Junior All Blacks, who last competed in the 2009 Pacific Nations Cup. Those players not selected to tour with the All Blacks test side will be in consideration for a three-match tour that kicks off against Fiji.
Though the Friday evening match falls outside the official November window, the North American clash will be considered a full test. Fiji will not risk World Rugby Rankings points against the All Blacks XV but the contest will still be considered binding for eligibility purposes.
The Fijians split their two-game series against the Māori All Blacks prior to the World Cup. Among those who could feature in October’s game is Utah Warriors hooker Veremalua Vugakoto, who started the second game against the Māori in Rotorua and played three matches in Japan.
Tickets will be available to the public beginning on Monday, March 16.
