Actor Jason Momoa has cheekily claimed he was the driving force behind the upcoming All Blacks and Fiji test match clash in San Diego, California, which was announced on Thursday.
NZ Rugby has confirmed the two teams will lock horns in a one-off rugby showcase at SnapDragon Stadium on July 20. NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said the test against Fiji is a key component of their plans to expand the All Blacks' brand in the US.
Uploading a video to his social media, Momoa - who is currently shooting the Minecraft movie in Auckland - revealed the part he supposedly played in bringing the test match to life.
In the video, which had Rangitoto Island in the background, Momoa said he "needed to go to my friends because I had this amazing idea".
"I wanted to get the All Blacks, my favourite team of all time, to finally come to the US and play on US soil. They listened to me, they were like, 'Jason, that's a great idea let's do it'."
"I'm in, let's do this," he said.
"It's the clash of the Pacific - it's gonna happen."
He also said, "It's all my idea, don't let the truth get in the way of a good story," before ending the video, "New Zealand, I love ya."
Momoa's video quickly drew a comment from the All Blacks' social media which replied, "Thanks for the idea brother, couldn't have done it without you" alongside a winking face emoji.
Other commenters were quick to point out the fact the ABs have already played on US soil.
"Man, he must've missed the three other times they played in the US like I did ha ha!" one pointed out in the comments.
"Well, they did play Ireland in Chicago. Both A-side teams," another pointed out.
The All Blacks have also played in San Diego in the past, facing off against the US in 1980.
