Head coach Steve Hansen is eager to road test New Zealand’s touring party next month as preparations for the 2015 World Cup step up a level.
The All Blacks’ 22-match unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of South Africa earlier this month and Australia almost inflicted a second straight defeat last weekend, beaten 29-28 after a last-gasp Malakai Fekitoa try.
New Zealand, who will host the British & Irish Lions in 2017, now face the prospect of autumn international Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
And Hansen believes this month-long tour will be ideal preparation for next year’s World Cup, which will also take place on British soil.
“It's getting closer, isn't it? You can just about reach out and touch it,” said Hansen.
“What it will do is give us opportunities to road test a few things for example we're taking all the extra staff that we think we're going to need at the World Cup.
“So they'll come get an understanding of what it's like to tour the UK and they'll get opportunities to visit the places we're going to be going to and put things in place.”
