KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks have been quizzed about a landmark midweek test against Italy on their end of year tour but that idea is part of a hefty, unresolved international calendar.
The domestic tests, in June, against Ireland and England have been arranged, as have the six Tri-Nations internationals
but the rest of the possible 16-test schedule remains blurred.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew would not be drawn on any details, options or plans and suggested any speculation was counterproductive.
He did accept that a test against Argentina in Hamilton during a large Tri-Nations gap in August was a target but he had not heard from the Pumas and it was difficult to get their players out of their European clubs at that time of the year.
A third offshore test against the Wallabies in Hong Kong on the way to a Northern Hemisphere tour was "more progressed" than other fixtures but it might "all come to nothing".
"No, there is nothing concrete but we will announce things as they firm up. I would like to be able to do that by the end of February," said Tew.
He thought a test against Italy was highly unlikely.
The Herald understands one of the All Black sponsors, Iveco, is keen for the fixture, if not this year as a novel midweek international, then perhaps next in their home city of Turin.
The original International Board roster had the All Blacks playing Scotland in two tests and Wales on their end of year tour.
But since the Hong Kong test against the Wallabies firmed up, the NZRU sees a Grand Slam challenge, maybe Italy as well and some midweek matches, to boost their coffers.
"Our ideal would be a lot of activity on an end of year tour, for coaches and players, and some strong commercial arrangements," Tew said.
"We have got to sit down with the coaches and see what they want and we won't be doing that for a little while. It is not helpful in these cases to speculate on what might happen."
Graham Henry was on an assignment in Canada, Steve Hansen needed some bereavement rest and Wayne Smith was on leave.
While Tew refused to talk specifics, there have been ideas floated that a 45- strong side may tour to cope with as many as nine games, that other coaches like Ian Foster and Colin Cooper may be involved midweek and that the trip could boost the NZRU coffers by $15 million.
* Troy Flavell is expected to be announced today as the Blues captain for a second Super 14 campaign.
