Extra test for All Blacks

AN EXTRA All Blacks test is set to be added to the team’s 2012 schedule, says New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew.

Tew also says Ireland may play midweek provincial games when it tours New Zealand in June.

The All Blacks are so far down to play 13 tests next year: three against Ireland, six in the new Rugby Championship, an extra Bledisloe Cup match and three on their end of year tour.

Tew confirmed a fourth European test was likely to be added to the itinerary.

“It's three tests up [north], three tests down [south], but we are looking at the possibility of adding another game to that end of year tour which will be done on a commercial agreement around revenue sharing,” he told the Dominion Post.

Tew also says Ireland may play midweek games against the provinces during its tour.

“It's something we are still discussing with the Irish Rugby Union. They wanted to wait till after the Rugby World Cup to assess their planning for 2012, so that work is still on-going. It's possible, but I can't confirm either way.

“We have offered [midweek games] and are ready to go on a discussion on how that might look, but it's up to them to agree they want to bring a bigger squad and play midweek.”