The NZ Government decision to lower Auckland's COVID-19 alert level will see the second Bledisloe Cup test staged at Eden Park, as planned.
The first two tests of the series have been scheduled on consecutive Sunday afternoons - the first at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on October 11, with a second at Eden Park on October 18.
Remaining at Level 2 or above may have forced NZ Rugby to relocate, with Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium identified as the replacement venue.
But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's announcement that the Auckland region will join the rest of the country at Level 1 on Wednesday has ensured Eden Park retains its hosting rights.
On Tuesday, tickets for the Auckland match will go on pre-sale, with public sales starting midday Thursday.
Wellington test tickets went on sale last week.
NZR professional rugby and performance general manager Chris Lendrum says it's great to confirm the fixture, with COVID-19 already denying Auckland rugby fans of two marquee games.
"Auckland fans missed out on both the North v South match last month and the Blues v Crusaders match, so this is positive news that they will be able to enjoy test match rugby," Lendrum says.
"With only two opportunities to watch the All Blacks play in New Zealand this year - and both matches being on Sunday afternoons - we are sure fans will enjoy both occasions."
Just under 28,000 tickets have already been sold for Sunday's series opener in Wellington, Lendrum adds, urging fans in the capital to act quickly to secure a seat.
"There is a real buzz growing in Wellington and around the country, as the home Bledisloe Cup series is about to get underway."
After the Auckland test, the series will then move across the Tasman, with a third test at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on November 7 and a fourth - the final match of the Rugby Championship - will be played at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on December 12.
The alert level change may also see confirmation of the Kiwi heavyweight boxing clash between Joseph Parker and Junior Fa, with promoters reportedly awaiting clearance to announce an Auckland bout.
Join us for live updates of the first Bledisloe Cup test in Wellington from Sunday 4pm
