The All Blacks have scheduled an extra game this year, and the chances of it being played at Dunedin's soon-to-be-obsolete ground have not been ruled out.
A July 22 game, against an opponent to be confirmed, has been added to the international calendar to raise funds for rebuilding activities in Christchurch.
The New Zealand Rugby Union has revealed few details other than the motive and the pencilled-in date.
"We are yet to confirm the opposition and venue for the match but we are talking to a number of parties and we hope to have all details confirmed by the end of the month," chief executive Steve Tew said.
Later, Tew told Radio Sport there were "plenty of opportunities" to host an additional All Black game in New Zealand.
Because the test is to be a fundraiser, it would make sense to schedule it at one of the larger venues - Eden Park or Westpac Stadium.
But both grounds are hosting Tri-Nations games this year and both - especially Eden Park, which yesterday inherited Christchurch's two relocated quarterfinals - will be saturated during the World Cup.
Dunedin is not scheduled to host the All Blacks this year, and its proximity to quake-hit Christchurch could make it a popular choice.
The new Forsyth Barr Stadium is not scheduled to open until August 1.
Carisbrook, which hosted its 40th and (presumed at the time) last test a year ago, would be available.
Tew said the game would preferably but not necessarily be a test match, while details on the fundraising activity were yet to be confirmed.
All Black coach Graham Henry said the extra match had been part of their planning before the earthquake struck, given there is a six-week break between the end of the Super 15 regular season and their first Tri-Nations match.
"We came back from the overseas tour and had a couple of meetings at the beginning of the year and thought there was too big a gap between the end of the Super 15 and the start of the Tri-Nations, so we were looking at that opportunity," he said yesterday.
"Some players will have a longer break than others, depending on when they finish their Super rugby campaign, so it's an opportunity for us to get together and do some work.
"The players have been very keen to help out the people of Christchurch, so it was great to marry those two things together."
