Right, so 2024 is well underway, and if you’re anything like me, a proper rugby tragic, getting the All Blacks schedule sorted is pretty high on the to-do list. Can’t be planning life around guesswork, eh? Especially when it comes to the boys in black.
My Mission: Pin Down the 2024 Fixtures
So, the other week, I decided it was time. I sat down, coffee in hand, ready to just quickly grab the full 2024 schedule. Easy peasy, or so I thought. Fired up the old computer, typed in the usual search terms. You know, “All Blacks 2024 match dates,” “All Blacks fixtures 2024,” that sort of thing.
And what did I get? A bit of a mess, frankly. Some sites had bits, others had different bits. One had the Rugby Championship dates, maybe. Another hinted at the end-of-year tour, but all very vague. Nothing comprehensive, nothing I could just print out and stick on the fridge, you know? It’s always the same, you’d think they’d make it simple for the fans.
I remember last year, or was it the year before? Missed the kick-off of a crucial game because I had the time zone wrong from some dodgy site. Not making that mistake again, no sir. So, I knew I had to dig a bit deeper and get it right this time.
The Nitty-Gritty: Putting It All Together
I wasn’t about to rely on scraps of info from here, there, and everywhere. So, I decided to dedicate a proper hour to it. Opened up a few official-looking sources, the kind you hope are up to date. Started comparing, cross-referencing. It’s a bit like detective work, sometimes.
I pulled out the dates I could confirm, the opponents, and the venues. Some were still listed as “TBC” for the venue, which is always a bit annoying, but you get what you can. I started a simple document, nothing fancy. Just a clean list:
- Date
- Opponent
- Venue (if known)
- Competition
I went through each potential tournament and tour. The Rugby Championship, any mid-year tests, the end-of-year tour. Slowly, painstakingly, the list started to take shape. I made sure to double-check kick-off times where available, though those can be a nightmare with daylight saving changes across different parts of the world. But I got the core dates down.
It took a bit longer than I’d hoped, to be honest. You get distracted, go down a rabbit hole reading some old match report. But I got there. Focused on getting the main structure solid.
The Result: My Own All Blacks 2024 Schedule
And there we have it. After a bit of digital legwork, I’ve got my own consolidated All Blacks 2024 schedule. It’s not rocket science, but it’s reliable, because I put it together myself. I’ve got it saved, and a copy printed out. Already marked up a few key clashes on the big calendar in the kitchen.
The wife just shakes her head, but she knows the drill. When the All Blacks are playing, things get serious. Now, at least, I know when things are getting serious. It’s a good feeling, being prepared. No more last-minute scrambles or missed games because of bad info. Bring on the season, I say. I’m ready.
