NZRU hopeful for November All Black test

The NZRU still has its fingers crossed over November's All Blacks and England test at Twickenham.

English clubs are taking their national union to court, with a hearing next week to decide if the Premiership clubs need to release players for the extra match on November 5.

If they do not need to release players, it appears there will not be a game.

NZRU deputy chief Steve Tew said the All Blacks did not have a back up if the England game fell through.

He said if England could not play a game that day, it was unlikely any other country would be available.

Steve Tew said the NZRU was taking a wait and see approach regarding the court hearing next week.

He said the issue highlighted the continual power struggle between the clubs and the English RFU.

- Newstalk ZB