No Slam chance for ABs this year

New Zealand, who are unbeaten on Northern Hemisphere tours since 2003, will not get a chance this year to add another Grand Slam to their list of accomplishments.

The All Blacks, who won Slams in 2010, 2008 and 2005, last lost on a year-end tour when England beat them in November 2002.

Their only other loss north of the equator in this period was infamous 2007 World Cup quarterfinal loss to France in Cardiff.

The New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed the details for the four Test matches the All Blacks will play on the end-of-year tour to Europe.

The All Blacks play Scotland, Italy, Wales and England.

Year-end schedule:

November 11: v Scotland, Edinburgh - 14.30 (03.30 November 12 NZ time)

November 17: v Italy, Rome - 15.00 (03.00 November 18 NZ time)

November 24: v Wales, Cardiff - 17.15 (06.15 November 25 NZ time)

December 1: v England, London - 14.30 (03.30 December 2 NZ time)