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The New Zealand Rugby Union has announced that the All Blacks will return to play in Christchurch for the first time since 2016 in an innovative game format against provincial sides Canterbury and Otago.

To be played on on Friday 10th August, The Game of Three Halves concept - a South Island first - will see the All Blacks play 40-minute matches against Canterbury and Otago, who will also play a 40-minute match against each other.

The popular event, which is used to prepare the All Blacks for the Investec Rugby Championship, has only ever been held in the North Island previously.

Canterbury Rugby Football Union, ChristchurchNZ, V-Base and the Christchurch Stadium Trust have worked together to secure the event for the city.

With no All Black test matches scheduled in Christchurch until 2020, the Game of Three Halves will be the only opportunity for locals to see the All Blacks play in the city for at least the next two years.

ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Attraction Linda Falwasser says getting the All Blacks to play in Christchurch is great news for residents, as well as for rugby fans across the South Island.

Falwasser advises “we are excited to be involved in delivering an event like this for the people of Christchurch and know that they - as well as fans from all over the Mainland - will turn out in their thousands to watch their national and provincial heroes do battle.

"Ticket prices have been kept low - at traditional pre-season levels - to ensure the game is affordable and to make sure everyone has the chance to see the All Blacks in action."

The matches are not being broadcast on TV, so the only opportunity fans will have to see the All Blacks play in the city this year will be live at AMI Stadium in Addington.

Falwasser added that all three teams will meet with fans for autographs and photographs after the final whistle blows.

She added “it’s events like this that add to the rich social tapestry of our city and ignite the bold ambitions of the next generation to strive and achieve their personal goals."

Image: AMI Stadium.

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