Battle of the titans: The All Blacks will take on the Kangaroos this December in a cross-code clash for the first time in history
- NZ All Blacks and Australian Kangaroos league side set to square off on the field
- Negotiations are underway for a clash between the two side on December 5
- Game is first time they have clashed in 150 years of sport between the nations
- The match would be played in Australia with 14-a-side using hybrid rules
New Zealand Rugby has confirmed talks are under way to stage a cross-code match between the All Blacks and the Kangaroos.
The multi-million dollar blockbuster will take place around Christmas with the match being the first time the two trans-Tasman teams have squared up against each other.
The game will be branded and promoted as ‘HISTORY’ with top secret negotiations underway between New Zealand Rugby and the National Rugby League.
The 14-a-side competition will be played with hybrid rules and has been slated for December 5, three weeks after the 2020 State of Origin series.
Manly Sea Eagles captain and Kangaroos star Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured with parnet Vessa Rockliff) on Thursday threw his support behind the idea cross-code clash
The Kangaroos are hoping to take on the All Blacks in a one-off match on December 5
Aussie rugby league side the Kangaroos will finally take to the field against rugby union’s New Zealand All Blacks after ten years of rumours about a cross-code clash
NZR and NRL are understood to be deep into talks with promoters for the clash of the two legendary teams in one of the biggest moments in the 150-year history of sport between the two countries.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has given a formal outline for the game to ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys who is reviewing financials around the plan.
‘We are in serious negotiations,’ Meninga said on Thursday.
‘This would take the Kangaroos to the world. There will be global recognition… The best from our game versus the best from the New Zealand game … let’s do it.’
The match was also reportedly discussed at an NZR board meeting on Wednesday.
A stadium is yet to be decided but leading options include Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, Perth’s Optus Stadium and South Australia’s Adelaide Oval.
COVID-19 lockdowns have heavily impacted the revenue of both the NZR and NRL, leading top figures in both competitions to push for the square-off.
The spectacular clash would likely garner a worldwide audience of millions and generate millions in revenue.
All Blacks players including captain Sam Cane (right) would play at an Australian stadium in a game with hybrid rules in the clash
Manly Sea Eagles captain and Kangaroos star Daly Cherry-Evans on Thursday threw his support behind the idea.
‘Anything like that where there is an oppourtunity to grow the game, especially now, i think it’s a great idea,’ Cherry-Evans said.
All that is required is a sign-off from both NZR and NRL management for the game to proceed.