Does anyone know why the All Blacks don't play rugby matches in the Pacific islands?

Question

Do countries like Samoa, Tonga etc. lack tv transmission, or would it be too expensive to stage matches against All blacks in their own stadiums? I'm just wondering because many journalists in the northern hemisphere critisise the NZRU for this.

Answer 1

Because the games would be total mis-matches, the All Blacks win by cricket scores.

Junior All Blacks have been playing in the Pacific Cup Competition and winning it hands down.

Answer 2

I may be wrong but I believe the reason is simply financial. The TV transmission facilities in the islands make it expensive to televise - hence the income is much less. My understanding is that 'The Islands' actually get a much bigger income by playing the games against NZ (or Australia) in NZ (or Australia). First off, there is much more interest from TV broadcasters (so they pay more) and secondly there is such large Polynesian communities here that the gate money is bigger. Auckland is, after all, the biggest Polynesian city in the Pacific.

Answer 3

Its about $$$$$.

Plus there are more islanders living in Auckland that the pacific islands so you can get a bigger island crowd to the games by having it there.

Answer 4

I agree with all other comments, it probably would be expensive plus it would be a white wash if the AB's went there to play against them, altho in saying that it would be a dam honour for them to get wasted by one of the best teams in the world lol.....who knows as for the NZRU they're more into making money than filling seats.

Answer 5

Too expensive to cater for the All Blacks, ticket wise and accomodating a 30 plus entourrage....plus at any one time you may have 20 Samoans on the field....ABS no longer the team to beat.  The aura of invincibility has worn out....ABS and OZ Should be scheduled for a Trination venture into Samoa, Fiji and Tonga every 3 years

Answer 6

It's a financial problem, I agree totally. What NZ has been doing is sending over the Junior All Blacks. That's good enough. If the island nations can convincingly beat the JAB, for a couple of years(say 3 in a row) then NZ may consider it. Otherwise it's just not on the radar for the next couple of decades.

Answer 7

lol i remember the last time the all blacks played against somoa or tonga they won 105 nil thats why the all blacks may aswell go and play a highschool team in nz

Answer 8

i do think its all about money,but it will be great to see the all blacks play some game in the island,after all its been made up by most of the island players,i dont think there would be anymore cricket scores nowadays

Answer 9

I'm not exactly sure about this but I believe its because its too expensive.  

All I have to say from what I've seen of the All Blacks is that they're insane and unstopable.  I'm sure the teams are glad they don't have to face them.

Answer 10

Such communities simply dont have the infastructure to host a major all blacks match. would 15000 fans find accomodation in many of the pacific island venues, could local hotels / bars / restraunts etc accomodate them and emergy health care etc may get pressed to the extreme.

Answer 11

I have heard many people talk about this and although they would be miss matches and it would cost alot to play over their it is simply because they won't make enough revenue from doing it. Their is not alot of money over in the islands compared with New Zealand plus the stadiums arn't as good and they just don't have the population we do. Plus not many of thier players are based their either.

Answer 12

There is a great deal of enthusiasm for rugby in the islands and NZ should be doing more to help out considering a few of our players come from there. We may be a lot stronger than them and it may not be a huge revenue gathering exercise but we should be fostering talent in some of the weaker nations.

Perhaps a tournament including Argentina, NZ and a qualifying Pacific Island team should be played every couple of years?

Answer 13

there are to Basie going after Whit women

Answer 14

Well if the Island teams got first pick of their players including those in the AB's, it would be a totally different story.Almost every good island player is snatched up by one of the top teir nations.