The prospect of All Blacks tests this year has taken another blow with Rugby Australia announcing that the Bledisloe Cup test scheduled for Melbourne has been postponed to 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Melbourne's Docklands Stadium was due to host a Bledisloe test for the first time since 2010 as part of a doubleheader involving the respective women's sides, but the spread of the virus in Victoria has forced the fixture to be rescheduled.
Rugby Australia interim chief executive Rob Clarke says Victorians are sticking together as the state works to slow the spread of coronavirus and it's not possible to play this match in 2020.
Victoria, which accounts for about 75 per cent of Australia's total infections, were forced into an extension of a strict lockdown in its capital of Melbourne until September 28, with infection rates declining slower than hoped.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who announced the first squad of his tenure on Sunday, previously said he was optimistic that tests in Australia could go ahead.
New Zealand Rugby hopes to play test matches against at least Australia and a Pacific team and possibly hosting the Rugby Championship later this year.
New Zealand is hoping to host Australia, Argentina and South Africa in November and December.
However, doubts have emerged over the logistical difficulties of securing locations for visiting nations to train while in quarantine, as strict border restrictions continue due to the pandemic.
[Source: NZ Herald]
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