All Blacks: Smith hopeful for Hong Kong

The All Blacks' test against Australia in Hong Kong next month is in doubt. Photo / Getty Images

Revelations the Bledisloe Cup rugby road show to Hong Kong has been jeopardised by meagre ticket sales have disappointed All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith.

The New Zealand Rugby Union yesterday confirmed demand for the October 30 fixture - the third Bledisloe test to be held in Asia - was a serious concern after fewer than 10,000 seats had been sold for the 40,000-capacity venue.

There have been suggestions the test may be switched to England rugby headquarters at Twickenham, though the NZRU emphasised a final decision had not been made.

Smith said he was not privy to the details concerning the future of the tie in Hong Kong but said management and players would be disappointed if it did not proceed as planned.

"It's a good place to go for the guys," he said, citing two advantages.

For one it allowed the All Blacks "to get off the treadmill" associated with annual visits to Australia, South Africa and the northern hemisphere.

It was also an ideal stopover, a perfect opportunity to break up the long haul to Europe.

Negotiations are continuing between the NZRU, Australian Rugby Union and their Hong Kong equivalent.

Hong Kong Stadium hosted the inaugural Bledisloe Cup test on neutral ground in 2008, an occasion that surprisingly did not attract a sell-out crowd.

Last year the match was held in Japan at Tokyo's Olympic Stadium, where ticket giveaways were required to boost crowd numbers.

England rugby headquarters at Twickenham in London has previously been explored as the setting for a revenue-generating test between the trans-Tasman rivals though there is no guarantee it will be accommodated there next month.

Asian locations took precedence because of a desire to grow the game in the region.

The All Blacks start their Grand Slam tour at Twickenham on November 6 before tests against Scotland, Ireland and Wales on successive weekends.

Australia's tour covers tests against Wales, England, Italy and France plus midweek games against Irish province Munster and England's Leicester.

- NZPA