All Blacks: Latest date for test match in years

All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen admitted he got it wrong in trying to convert Adam Thomson into a specialist openside flanker. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Organisers have found the perfect way to side-step atrocious conditions that have marred recent rugby tests in Wellington - schedule the latest home match on New Zealand soil in 47 years.

Not since 1962 have the All Blacks hosted a test as late as September 19, the date for Saturday's Tri-Nations fixture against the Wallabies here.

By stretching well into spring, it will be hoped there is no repeat of the freezing temperature and swirling wind that ruined any hope of a spectacle in the narrow defeat of France in June.

It was even more uncomfortable when Ireland played here last year, while the test against South Africa soon afterwards was a wintry affair. The last test against Australia here, in 2004, was also a wet, dour affair.

Five tests in New Zealand have been played later than September 19, all in Auckland, with the latest being a September 28 kickoff against Australia in 1946.

All records will go out the window in 2011 when New Zealand hosts the World Cup.

The All Blacks play their final pool game against Canada in Wellington on October 2 and, all going well, will advance further in the tournament later that month.

New Zealand have suffered two memorable losses since Westpac Stadium took over from Athletic Park as Welligton's test venue in 2000.

They succumbed to a last-minute John Eales penalty goal when Australia pipped them 24-23 in the first test at the venue while England prevailed 15-13 in blustery winds in 2003.

History shows the most dangerous scenario on home soil in All Blacks history is hosting the Wallabies in Wellington. Australia have won six of their 17 tests here and drawn one.

The next most lethal combination is the Wallabies at both Christchurch and Auckland. They have sampled four wins at both venues.

Nothing goes close to the All Blacks' international graveyard of Sydney, where they have lost 19 tests to Australia. Next comes the eight test defeats by the Springboks in Johannesburg.

LATE STARTS

Latest starts in the calendar year to a rugby test on New Zealand soil:

Sept 28 - 1946, NZ 14 Australia 10, in Auckland
Sept 25 - 1937, South Africa 17 NZ 6, in Auckland
Sept 24 - 1949, Australia 16 NZ 9, in Auckland
Sept 22 - 1962, NZ 16 Australia 8, in Auckland
Sept 20 - 1958, NZ 17 Australia 10, in Auckland
Sept 19 - 1959, British and Irish Lions 8 NZ 6, in Auckland
Sept 19 - 2009, NZ v Australia, in Wellington

- NZPA