The last time the All Blacks played in Hamilton was when they thrashed Argentina 57-22 in September 2016. It was a particularly good game for winger Julian Savea, centre.

The All Blacks' haka will be confronted with the Ikale Tahi sipi tau when the two teams meet in a one-off pre-Rugby World Cup test match in Hamilton next year.

The match between the New Zealand and Tongan sides will be played at FMG Stadium Waikato - known to most as Rugby Park - on Saturday, September 7 at 2.35pm.

The match, which will effectively be a hit-out for the World Cup squad, will be the first All Blacks test in Hamilton since the side thrashed Argentina in 2016.

Renee McKay Tongan fans made Hamilton's FMG Stadium their home ground when their league side upset the Kiwis 28-22 in November last year. Will history repeat in September 2019?

"We invited Tonga to play this fixture which we saw as an important part of the All Blacks' preparation, but also a great way for Tonga to prepare for Rugby World Cup 2019," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said when he announced the one-off match on Sunday.

"We envisage this will be an opportunity for fans to provide a colourful send-off for both teams."

Tonga may well consider Hamilton a second home, given the city has already recently hosted Mate Ma'a Tonga supporters during the Rugby League World Cup in November last year, when the Tongan side stunned the Kiwis with a 28-22 upset.

The legions of Tongan sports supporters will no doubt be hoping for a similar upset over the All Blacks.

Sunday's announcement comes just weeks after Tonga confirmed they will be fielding a team at the HSBC New Zealand Sevens tournament in Hamilton in January - giving fans a unique opportunity to support their country in Hamilton twice in 2019.

The 2.35pm kickoff will mark a once-off return of afternoon test rugby. The earlier-than-usual time will allow both teams to recover before heading to Japan. Tonga will depart the following day, and the All Blacks the day after that.

The All Blacks will face South Africa in its opening pool match only two weeks later while Tonga will be preparing to face England in their opening match.

The only other opportunities to see the All Blacks play on New Zealand soil in 2019 will be in Wellington against South Africa - a teaser for the two teams' opening World Cup match - and the Bledisloe Cup and Laurie O'Reilly Trophy double-header with the Black Ferns at Auckland's Eden Park.

Tonga Rugby chief executive Fe'ao Vunipola said playing the All Blacks would be an ideal way for Ikale Tahi to prepare for Japan.

"We know from our wonderful experiences in Auckland and Hamilton, that our team is very much loved and supported by Tongan and many non-Tongan fans.

"Although this is an All Blacks team playing at home, we would like to think that our supporters will come out in force, and effectively turn it into a home game for Tonga and give us a fantastic send off for RWC 2019 where we want to do our nation proud."

Chiefs Super Rugby club chief executive Mike Collins said the game was great news for the region.

"For those of us not able to be in Japan for the World Cup, it will be a unique experience to witness the World Cup squad get a run."

Hamilton mayor Andrew King said the announcement was hugely exciting and he was sure the stadium would be packed to capacity.

"We get the current world champion All Blacks and a Tongan team, which will be supported by a legion of passionate fans who bring immense energy and a sea of red to any venue they converge on."