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Why Ian Foster doesn't want to see All Blacks vs Maori All Blacks

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed he doesn’t want to see his side take on the Maori All Blacks at any point in the future.

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The All Blacks and Maori All Blacks will achieve the rare feat of playing at the same ground on the same day when the latter side play Manu Samoa and the former team hosts Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday.

The last time the All Blacks and Maori All Blacks played at the same venue on the same day came back in 1973, when the two sides played each other at Rotorua International Stadium.

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Quinn Tupaea named to start for the All Blacks and partners Rieko Ioane in the midfield

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Quinn Tupaea named to start for the All Blacks and partners Rieko Ioane in the midfield

The All Blacks prevailed in an 18-8 victory on that occasion, which was just fifth time in history the two teams have squared off against one another.

Prior to that, the All Blacks emerged victorious in all four of their other meetings, which took place in 1922, 1929, 1952 and 1958.

48 years after their most recent clash, Foster was asked on Thursday whether he would like to see the two teams go head-to-head for a sixth time at some point in the future.

However, the All Blacks boss shot down such a proposal as he said the two teams represent New Zealand and shouldn’t be pitted against each other in the international arena.

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“Not a big fan of it,” he said. “I think we both represent our country with pride and from a slightly different angle, and that’s a great quality of both teams. So, do I see them pitted against each other? I don’t really think that’s the right thing.”

With the Maori All Blacks set to kick-off their clash against Manu Samoa at the earlier time of 4:30pm, Foster implored his side, which features four debutants, to not get distracted by the festivities of the occasion.

“I think the Maori All Blacks, it’s going to be cool playing on the same ground, particularly having two Pasifika nations on the same ground as well.

“It’s going to be a pretty special time. A big part of our challenge is going to be to make sure we don’t get hooked up to the gala festival of having a curtain-raiser with a lot of noise and think it’s a festival.

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“It’s job on. It’s a great occasion. We’re excited by the occasion, but we know that our job is to go and perform at an All Black level and we’ve just got to make sure we’re really consistent with our preparation.

“One of the hardest things to do when you get a new group, new players in there, is just to learn and experience what it is to prepare for a test match, and this Saturday’s going to be pretty unique in terms of the prep.

“We’re going to walk into a home ground, we’re already going to see a black jersey on the field, there’s going to be a lot of noise around that and there’ll be a lot of smiles around that and people will be celebrating that sort of thing, but we’ve got a job to do.”

Kick-off for the clash between the All Blacks and Tonga is scheduled for 7:05pm.

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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