Rugby: All Blacks headed for Milan test

Richie McCaw says the All Blacks versus Italy clash in Milan will be 'huge for the team'. Photo / Getty Images

Italy's San Siro Stadium, the home of soccer powerhouses AC Milan and Inter Milan, is to host an All Blacks test in November.

On November 14, the All Blacks will be centre stage in Milan for the 10th test they have played against Italy - in the 10th different venue.

The All Blacks visited San Siro - a 85,000 capacity venue and one of the best-known venues in the world - in 2008, on an adidas promotion after their northern tour.

Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and 13 other All Blacks mingled with the likes of Brazilian AC Milan stars Ronaldinho and Kaka.

The matches against Italy, and tests against England at Twickenham on November 21; France in Marseille on November 28, and against the Barbarians back at Twickenham on December 5 were confirmed today.

It was likely the All Blacks would also play two tests prior to those dates, against Australia, probably in Tokyo, then against Wales in Cardiff on November 7.

The All Blacks last played the Barbarians - a makeshift team of internationals from several countries - in 2004, winning 47-19 in front of a 60,000 crowd at Twickenham.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who played for the Barbarians against the Wallabies in December last year, said it was always a special occasion when the All Blacks lined up against them.

"I had a great time playing for them last year.

"Matches like this are rare and there is such a long tradition of contests between the All Blacks and the Barbarians, it's going to be huge for the team," McCaw said.

The All Blacks have played the Britain-based Barbarians nine times.

The match in 1973, which the Baabaas won 23-11, featured what many fans consider to be one of the greatest tries ever, when Welshman Gareth Edwards scored a length of the field team try.

"We are delighted to announce the match against the Barbarians. Like the All Blacks, the Barbarians are part of rugby's rich history and the match later this year will add to that heritage," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.

Barbarians president Micky Steele-Bodger said the club was looking forward to another great challenge.

"So many of the matches between us have proved to be memorable, containing some unforgettable moments of brilliance."

- NZPA