The classic code clash will return to Ōtautahi Christchurch's Hagley Oval under floodlights on Friday, January 22, it has been announced.
The third annual Hot Spring Spas T20 Christchurch Black Clash, in association with Heartland, is set to the first major event to be played under the brand new floodlights at Hagley Oval.
"Hagley was already one of the finest cricket grounds in New Zealand and the addition of lights will take it to a whole new level," Team Cricket captain Stephen Fleming said.
"The first Black Clash here in Christchurch was an incredible event – apart from the result, obviously. And this one promises to be even better."
Sir Graham Henry's Team Rugby, inspired by Jordie Barrett and some brilliant out-fielding by McCaw and Kieran Read, caused a shock by upsetting Fleming's cast of international cricketers in that opening encounter.
"It was pretty obvious that the 2019 result was just one of those freak occurrences that happen in sport," Fleming said.
"There's no rational explanation as to how it happened – and there's certainly no way anyone can foresee it happening again.
"We've got a lot of respect for Sir Graham's team – as rugby players. But as cricketers… not so much."
With mainstays Jordie Barrett and Israel Dagg returning, Henry already has Team Rugby's lethal fast bowling attack locked in.
Former teenage tearaway Dagg famously broke Fleming's toe with a brutal yorker in the opening match and followed that up by ripping out Fleming's former One Day International opening partner Nathan Astle in Napier.
"Flem still talks a darn good game – but he hasn't exactly troubled the scorers in these matches," Henry said.
"Perhaps it's time for him to follow my lead and become a non-playing coach?"
"Scotty wins everything he touches," Henry said.
"The one exception was when he bizarrely joined Team Cricket for the first Black Clash. I'm sure he will have learned his lesson there."
David Higgins, founder and director of Duco Events, said it was fantastic to be able to look forward to staging another incredible event following the impacts of Covid-19 on the event industry.
"It has been a bloody tough time for the events industry, there's no doubt about that.
"But we are extremely fortunate in this country that we have been able to keep the pandemic largely under control, which means we can look forward to some great events this summer.
"We've already seen with the crowds that flocked to Super Rugby that Kiwis are desperate to get back to attending sports events – so I'm positive we'll have another sellout under lights in Christchurch."
With international travel restrictions likely to still be in place, the match was a perfect chance for Kiwis from around the country to head south and check out everything Canterbury had to offer, said Loren Heaphy, general manager for destination and attraction at ChristchurchNZ.
"Events play a key role in our city's economic recovery and we are excited to welcome Black Clash back to Hagley Oval," she said.
"The third instalment of this event will be a popular feature in our summer events calendar and provide a significant boost to our tourism and hospitality sectors at this much needed time.
"We feel lucky that New Zealand is still able to realistically plan large-scale public events like this, and I encourage Kiwis to make the most of our position and get out to celebrate, and perhaps even add on a long weekend to explore our city and region."
