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‘An Origin three-game thing’: Why the North versus South clash should return

By Finn Morton
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic a few years ago, rugby fans in the southern hemisphere crowded around their television screens for the 81st instalment of the North versus South derby.

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The match hadn’t been played since a one-off clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium in 2012, but was otherwise an annual fixture from 1902 to 1986 – except the event was called off for periods due to the First and Second World Wars.

Played at an empty Sky Stadium in Wellington – or Westpac Stadium as it was known back then – a Will Jordan try well after the siren had sounded handed the southerners a thrilling 38-35 win.

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As Jordan celebrated the 85th minute score with teammates Finlay Christie, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jordie Barrett and Josh Ioane, fans were glued to their TV screens.

This is a rivalry.

This is rugby.

For a competition that is steeped in both tradition and prestige, the clash felt so new, raw and untested. But it was breathtaking, and fans wanted more.

But with normality returning through Super Rugby Pacific and a jam-packed Test season, there’s been no talk or time for another instalment of this gladiatorial contest between rugby rivals.

Meanwhile, across the ditch in Australia – certainly down the east coast at least – it’s practically impossible to escape the headlines, passion and anticipation of this year’s State of Origin series.

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“State against State, mate against mate” – every year, like clockwork, that phrase is said by Queenslanders and New South Welshman as if it were a rallying cry.

It’s that unique time of year where being either a cockroach or cane toad means something.

Australians – again, at least those on the east coast – just can’t get enough of it. This is Origin, and they love it.

While many New Zealanders also get caught up in the State of Origin hype and madness, whether or not they’re missing out on their own great rivalry is a debate in itself.

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Playmaker Mitch Hunt was involvement in the “pretty rare game” a few years ago, having been selected for representative honours with the north – despite being born in Nelson.

Hunt began his senior rugby career with Auckland in New Zealand’s provincial competition, which ended up determining his eligibility for this enthralling clash.

The Highlanders utility back described the experience as an “awesome game” – adding that it’d be “pretty cool” to see the North versus South derby return as an Origin-esque three-game series.

“I think just because of the occasion, it generates a lot of hype, a lot of talking points… it’s pretty exciting for the game to have something like that and the public love to get around it,” Hunt told RugbyPass.

“Imagine that on a yearly basis or even an Origin three-game thing would be pretty cool to be a part of for sure.

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“Even a trial type factor to see how these guys hit it our against each other.

“Obviously the game was close and it was exciting so imagine having three of them on the trot to generate that sort of interest.

“Where do you fit it in amongst all the rest? I think it’s an awesome concept and it’d be cool to see them maybe bring it back in the future.”

Having come on as a replacement in the No. 23 jumper midway through the second half, Hunt certainly showcased moments of brilliant as the he was injected into the contest.

Hunt was stopped mere metres short of the try line in the 72nd minute, but Highlanders teammate Ash Dixon made amends with the go-ahead try a few seconds later.

But, unfortunately for the utility back, the match was ultimately decided by a breathtaking Will Jordan try at the death – which Hunt was on the wrong side of.

Playing with the advantage, Josh Ioane kicked the ball across the field for Jordan, and the Crusaders flyer leaped above Hunt to reel in the match-winning score.

“We’re such good mates so it gets brought up every now and then,” Hunt added.

“I chat with him all the time so he’s got that one over me, quite literally, for a long time coming.”

But Hunt is firmly focused on the week ahead with the Highlanders.

Having just retuned home from training, Hunt and his teammates are preparing for a must-win clash against the high flying Blues on Friday night.

If the eight-placed Highlanders win, then they progress to the knockout stages of the competition. But if they don’t, then they’ll need other results to go their way.

“The positive heading into this week has probably been our last two week. With the nature of our season and where we’re sort of left ourselves, the last two weeks were really… treated as playoff games.

“We’ve sort of been in a little bit of that mindset for the last couple of weeks.

“The way our last two games finished, traditionally we may have lost tight games like that as the Landers over the last few years.

“I think we take some great confidence out of knowing that in those tight games, the last few weeks we’ve been able to finish. That’s been great, we’ve treated them like finals.

“If we win we go through, if we lose there’s still a chance but then it relies on everyone else.

“We want to take control of our own destiny and we’re going up there to win, as tough as it may be heading up to Auckland.”

That highly anticipated match between the Highlanders and Blues at Auckland’s Eden Park is set to get underway at 7.05pm NZST on Friday.

This is the final round of the regular season, so it’s a season-defining clash for both sides.

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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