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‘Game of Three Halves’ Returns in 2016

“The All Blacks will again take on two provincial sides, in a game of three halves training match. They will play Counties-Manukau and Northland in August, as part of preparations for the Investec Rugby Championship” – NZ Rugby media release (June 24)

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have released details on the ‘Game of three halves’ which is an innovative, festival-style game. The match will be played at ECOLight Stadium in Pukekohe on August 12, in Auckland. It is planned to provide the All Blacks training squad with a form of internal-competition. It will help them to gauge players strengths and weaknesses, in the final week of preparations in Auckland.

All Black preparations for the Rugby Championship

Scheduled for a week prior to the side flying over to Sydney for the Rugby Championship. This four team competition involves NZ, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. Held annually, it brings the powerful Southern Hemisphere sides together in a four-way battle.

Australia claimed a truncated Championship in 2015, due to the Rugby World Cup. Formerly known as the Tri-Nations, this year is critical in the All Blacks re-establishing their credentials. After losing six senior players to retirement, it will be a step-up from the Steinlager Series. In that three match series, NZ beat Wales 3-0 in a commanding display.

The benefits from the ‘game of three-halves’ are two-fold. It will be a chance for the team to face an unknown opposition. They will not go in blind though, but an unpredictable outcome is a bonus. In previous occasions, teams like North Harbour and Wellington have taken the game to the Blacks. And secondly, they can expose their men to the contact. The breakdown is the critical point of any match.

‘Game of Three Halves’ training matches will be held at ECOLight Stadium in Pukekohe

The All Blacks will play 40-minute training matches against each provincial side, with the two provincial teams then playing a 40-minute match. This format allows for a full match for all three teams–innovative and beneficial. The reward is that they can play men who need to be tested. The risk is injury. Medical staff will be wary of this fact, so expect players to be removed as precaution. None of the coaches; including provincial sides, will dream of losing any players in this festival game. Player welfare will be an element that precludes too many ‘big hits’.

It is rugby though. And for the All Blacks; who assemble their squad after the Super Rugby season, retaining conditioning is important. The All Blacks will be in Auckland as part of their preparations for the Bledisloe Cup and opening Investec Rugby Championship test. That will be played in Sydney on Saturday 20 August, against Australia.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen told allblacks.com “The training matches against provincial teams are great for our build-up. We are grateful for the opportunity to play Counties-Manukau and Northland. It should be a great night.”

Matches scheduled for on the evening of Friday 12 August. First ‘game’ kicks off at 5.30pm.

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Excerpts taken from the June 24 New Zealand Rugby media release have been used in this feature.

“Main photo credit”

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