When New Zealand Rugby (NZR) looks to allocate tests the litmus test is this: will it make money? (an AMI fail); and how much does the host city want it? Nelson wasn't on the Lions tour, but as one who attended every match let it be said even Whangarei and Rotorua have more pleasurable venues than AMI Stadium. If it makes you Mad Cantabs feel any better, Hamilton has missed just as much as you have, and it has an excellent stadium. Problem is, Eden Park just up the road can fit in even more fans and pour even more into the NZR coffer$.
Source: Stuff August 25, 2017 01:17 UTC