Rugby: Grand plans again on All Blacks' agenda

Wales hope to acclimatise to New Zealand ahead of the 2011 World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks will head off for another Grand Slam tour next year - their third in five years.

Tests against Ireland, Scotland and Wales have been long scheduled by the IRB and New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew says it is almost certain they will look to arrange a game against England to complete the set.

The All Blacks completed Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008 and, while Tew admits there is a possibility of devaluing what is considered a major achievement, he says that without having any control over the IRB schedule, it's possible Grand Slam opportunities may not arise for many years after 2010.

Part of the attraction of taking on such a tough schedule in 2010 will be preparing the All Blacks for the 2011 World Cup. There will be no June test programme in 2011 and a truncated Tri Nations - just two rounds.

There remains an outside chance that the All Blacks could also play a fourth Bledisloe Cup game at a neutral venue on their way to Europe as they did last year and will do again this year.

Tew also confirmed that the NZRU have given up trying to play mid-week games on this year's European tour and that there is no chance of any happening next year, either.

That is in contrast to Wales and Ireland, who are both expected to play mid-week games when they come to New Zealand next year.

Wales are scheduled to play two tests and coach, Warren Gatland - a former All Black - wants to build-in some games against provincial or select sides to help his team acclimatise.

The Welsh will use their time here to familiarise themselves with the grounds they will play at and stay at their World Cup base, which has not yet been allocated.

"We will try to accommodate their wishes as much as possible," said Tew. "It has got to fit in with our plans but I think there is an appetite for these types of games.

"If people think there is a chance of one our teams going out there and having a crack [against Wales] then there will be a lot of interest."

Ireland are also looking for a 'second game' as they have a blank weekend after their test against the All Blacks and before they play Australia.

Tew says that provincial sides will come into consideration but so too could the Maori and other select teams.