New Zealand Rugby confirms talks over hybrid match with Australia’s rugby league team

New Zealand Rugby are in talks over an innovative hybrid match that would see the All Blacks take on Australia’s national rugby league team.

The Kangaroos have dominated the 13-a-side version of the sport much in the same way the All Blacks have enjoyed sustained success in 15-a-side rugby union.

Historically the All Blacks hold an 80 per cent win ratio over 115 years, but a new challenge appears on the horizon.

Chief executive Mark Robinson has confirmed the team ”had the option put to us” of arranging a 14-a-side match between the teams in December.

The sports divided more than 100 years ago, creating separate styles and skill-sets, so finalising a common set of rules may prove problematic.

The All Blacks were due to play Wales and Scotland in July but those test matches have been abandoned because of the coronavirus pandemic. Bledisloe Cup matches against the Wallabies might be able to go ahead as early as October if both countries are able to control the virus outbreak.

Tests against northern hemisphere teams are unlikely this year, though New Zealand Rugby is hopeful some matches might be played in November or December.

“The concept of the All Blacks vs Kangaroos Rugby Online later in the year, we must be very clear that our priority is we want the All Blacks to play international rugby for the remainder of the year and we’ve talked about the uncertainty associated with that,” Robinson said.