All Blacks to play Samoa

The All Blacks could be performing the haka against France in the UAE. Photo: Getty Images
The All Blacks could be performing the haka against France in the UAE. Photo: Getty Images
The All Blacks will play Samoa at Eden Park on June 16, eight days before the first Lions test in Auckland.

There will also be a surprising curtainraiser involving Wales and Tonga in a Friday night double header.

The Welsh made the initial announcement, with New Zealand Rugby confirming the game minutes later. The so-called Pasifika Challenge will be part of a Wales tour which includes a match against Samoa in Apia.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: "Along with Tonga and Wales it's going to be a wonderful evening where you've got Pasifika rugby on show and Welsh rugby and New Zealand rugby. It allows us to fill a need for ourselves as we need a game to prepare for the Lions and also give something back to Pasifika rugby."

Wales head coach Robin McBryde said: "We have a huge amount of respect for rugby's Pacific heritage, so to be able to compete in a double-header celebrating that is very special. It should be a fantastic occasion."

Tickets go on sale next Monday.

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