Sixteen Rugby World Cup games will be live free-to-air no matter whether the TVNZ-TV3 or Maori Television (MTS) wins the right to screen them.
Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman yesterday spelled out what would be available if the TVNZ's consortium bid won.
TVNZ and TV3 would screen six games each, and MTS could screen all 16.
All three would be able to screen the final, semis and third and fourth playoff.
TVNZ and TV3's games would include two All Blacks' pool games each.
MTS could simulcast games showing on the other broadcasters and show other games they do not want, if it agreed to participate.
If MTS won the bid it has agreed to subcontract to the other broadcasters.
