The All Blacks are set to play a home fixture against Fiji in San Diego, marking the first time the team has played in the United States.
This is not the first time the All Blacks have played in San Diego. They beat the USA 53-6 in 1980 at Chargers Stadium. The All Blacks have been successful in recent games, including last year’s Rugby World Cup, where they made the quarter-finals and lost to England.
Fiji has started their season with a 21-12 away win over Georgia in Batumi and made the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs. England has shown an upward trend in playing positive rugby and their traditional strength of forward play and kicking.
However, this test against Fiji will feature a wholly overhauled starting side, with four potential debutantes getting a run. Patrick Tuipulotu will be left at home to recover, and the focus will be on ‘getting the win and getting out.’
The All Blacks’ goal is to grow their brand on the West Coast of the United States, with media spots and visits to sponsors to discuss rugby and the reasons behind their absence from pads and helmets. The long-term goal is to build interest in the 2031 Rugby World Cup, which is being held in the USA.
Fiji can potentially cause problems for the All Blacks, as their previous results indicate they are more balanced than those coming to New Zealand.
The All Blacks will aim to get in, do their commercial work, and win, as the next challenge is a Rugby Championship competition they haven’t lost in five seasons.
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