No top All Blacks for tsunami relief match

The New Zealand Rugby Union will not be releasing any top All Blacks for next month's tsunami relief match in London, which clashes with a round of Super 12.

NZRFU chief executive Chris Moller said yesterday that the union was looking at ways to support the March 5 match at Twickenham, but that would not include removing All Blacks from their Super 12 sides.

"The match was originally going to be a Six Nations versus Sanzar, and if that had been the case then it would have been vitally important to put the very best players on the field," Moller said.

"It's now a North versus South match, which means it can include countries outside Sanzar.

"It also means that we're unlikely to disrupt the senior All Blacks who are leaders within their Super 12 campaigns. Nevertheless, we'll try to make a contribution to the match with players who have been All Blacks in recent times, or former All Blacks."

That could include the likes of Christian Cullen and other recent All Blacks plying their trade in Europe, provided they are granted a release by their clubs. Moller said the NZRFU had preliminary discussions with its five Super 12 franchises and it was "a concern" releasing players for the match.

"By the same token I think there's a recognition that this is a very worthy cause.

"We will work through the detail to see what may occur.

"We would hope there may be three to five New Zealand players.

"They may not necessarily be drawn from New Zealand ... they may be players who are playing overseas."

Moller said the NZRFU would make a tsunami fundraising drive this week during the international sevens tournament in Wellington.

It would donate an initial $100,000 to the fund and hold collections during the street parade tomorrow and the tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Other fundraising would include memorabilia auctions.

Australian Rugby Union boss Gary Flowers said the IRB's date would make it hard for his country's best players to be available.

But Australia would still support the match.

"Clearly our preference was for a June-July fixture, but the March date has been set and we have to work from that," he said.

"There are a number of options. We have spoken to the prospective coach, Rod Macqueen, and have offered him whatever assistance he needs."

It is hoped the Rugby Aid match will raise between 3 million ($8.1 million) and 4 million.

The game takes place the week before the fourth round of matches in this season's Six Nations championship, which means many of Europe's biggest stars will not be taking part.

- NZPA