rugby test match

Samoa to use 'Pasifika Challenge' as qualifying prep

The teams will clash as part of a Pacific rugby double header, called the 'Pasifika Challenge', at Eden Park with Tonga playing Wales in the curtain raiser.

Alama Ieremia said the Auckland test was a welcome addition to their calendar.

"It's great that we've got a chance to play the All Blacks again and this is great for our build-up as well, going into the June-July internationals, which are very important World Cup qualification games for Manu Samoa," he said.