November Test schedule confirmed

New Zealand granted a 'grand slam' tour

The International Rugby Board (IRB) have confirmed a revised schedule of sanctioned Test matches for November, including the recently arranged clash between Wales and New Zealand on November 5 in Cardiff.

The All Blacks will now play all four Home Unions - their first 'grand slam' tour since Graham Mourie's 1978 All Blacks won all four Tests, including a last gasp 13-12 victory against Wales.

Coincidentally, 1978 was also the last time Wales won the grand slam, albeit in the Five Nations.

The Cardiff clash was sanctioned by the IRB due to the fact that the match marks 100 years of rugby between the two countries.

South Africa will play Argentina, on the same weekend, on their way to the northern hemisphere for Tests against France and Wales. The Pumas have also been granted a Test against Samoa at home on the first weekend of December.

There is a significant development aspect to the 2005 schedule as it provides nine matches for Tier 2 nations against Tier 1 opposition with Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Romania and Canada all in action.

In addition, Portugal (Tier 3) will play a Test against Fiji at home on the weekend of November 19/20.

Australia will play an additional tour match against a 'French Selection' on the weekend of November 5/6 as preparation for matches against England, Ireland and Wales.

Tonga will also play a French Selection on the weekend of November 26/27 as part of their tour.

NOVEMBER TOUR SCHEDULE 2005
(All dates and kick-off times to be confirmed)

November 5/6:
Argentina v South Africa
Wales v New Zealand
French Selection v Australia

November 12/13:
England v Australia
France v Canada
Ireland v New Zealand
Italy v Tonga
Scotland v Argentina
Wales v Fiji

November 19/20:
England v New Zealand
France v Tonga
Ireland v Australia
Italy v Argentina
Scotland v Samoa
Wales v South Africa
Portugal v Fiji

November 26/27:
England v Samoa
France v South Africa
Ireland v Romania
Italy v Fiji
Scotland v New Zealand
Wales v Australia
French Selection v Tonga

December 3/4:
Argentina v Samoa