The All Blacks won every one of the 14 matches they played this year, achieving the first perfect season of the professional era. Yesterday their schedule for 2014 was confirmed, where they will play six home Tests and host England for a series.
They play England on 7 June at Eden Park, 14 June in Dunedin, and 12 June in Hamilton. Touring New Zealand for the first time since 2008, England will also play a midweek game vs the Crusaders.
“We are very excited to be hosting England next year,” said NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew.
“England have proven in recent matches with the All Blacks just how tough an opponent they are so we hope this series will be a huge draw card for fans.
“It’s great to be taking England to Dunedin. I am sure they have plenty of fond memories from their time there during Rugby World Cup where they played three matches.
“England, like France last year, were keen to add a mid-week match to their itinerary so it’s great that we can provide them a high quality opponent in the Crusaders after the second Test in Dunedin,” he added.
The Rugby Championship features home Tests in Auckland, Napier and Wellington.
England Series
7 June – Eden Park, Auckland
14 June – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
17 June – England v Crusaders – Christchurch
21 June – Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Rugby Championship 2014 [all fixtures]
23 August – Australia – Eden Park, Auckland
6 September – Argentina – McLean Park, Napier
13 September – South Africa -Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Below is a quick montage that looks at the All Blacks’ historic season (via Reunion)
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