The New Zealand Maori rugby team will play Australia in a lead-up to the Wallabies' series with the British Lions.
The match will be in Sydney on June 9, and coach Matt Te Pou is delighted at the chance to put the Maori record on the line against the world champions.
New
Zealand Maori have gone 24 matches unbeaten over the past six years.
"Any coach wants to prepare his team to play the best, Australia are the world champions - what more could you want?" said Te Pou, who has coached the side since 1994.
"The time is definitely right for Maori rugby. We've played a lot of international sides in recent years, but we've never lined up against such a strong side since the British Lions in 1993."
The New Zealand side will be made up of any player with Maori heritage not selected in the All Blacks squad on June 2.
Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen said his team were looking for a high-level game and the Maori provided the perfect opposition.
"They don't come much tougher. They have had a fantastic record against international sides in recent years.
"This is a big year for Australian rugby and the game will generate tremendous interest on both sides of the Tasman," Macqueen said.
A venue has yet to be selected.
New Zealand Maori last played the Wallabies in 1958, when they won 13-6.
Since 1994, New Zealand Maori have beaten Scotland, England, Argentina, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
They are also playing Argentina in Rotorua on June 26.
- NZPA
