The All Blacks are being told to brace for a long stint on the road after Saturday's Bledisloe Cup match against Australia, as uncertainty surrounds their schedule for the rest of the Rugby Championship.
The squad is expected to leave for Perth the week leading into the third and final Bledisloe Cup test on August 21, where they'll remain to play two Rugby Championship tests against Argentina on September 11 and 18.
While they're scheduled to then return for two home fixtures against South Africa, reluctance to be away from family and the growing uncertainty surrounding trans-Tasman travel may mean the squad stays in Australia, before heading to Europe - via the US - for their annual year-end tour.
The All Blacks play USA at Chicago's Soldier Field on October 25, before heading to Europe to play Wales in Cardiff (October 31), Italy in Rome (November 7), Ireland in Dublin (November 13).
With the final test of that tour against France in Paris on November 21, which would mean approximately three months away from home for players and staff, who have been asked to prepare for such a scenario.
At this stage, it's unclear what contingency is in place for the tests against South Africa in Dunedin (September 25) and Auckland (October 2), but it seems likely the remainder of their Rugby Championship schedule would have to be played in Australia.
Join us from 7pm, Saturday for live updates of the second test betwene the All Blacks and Australia at Eden Park
