Classic Calcutta Cup match loses its record status

Back in 2017, when the All Blacks–Lions series was drawn after a 15-15 stalemate in the third and final Test, Steve Hansen memorably described the underwhelming experience as “a bit like kissing your sister”.

Draws in Test rugby are much maligned and at various points in time there have been calls for all matches to be played to a result through the ‘golden point’ method now adopted by rugby league. However, on Saturday very few spectators would have left Clarke Stadium, Edmonton, feeling unfulfilled.

Canada and Spain treated the crowd to a fantastic game of attacking rugby, and at the end of a compelling 80 minutes, there was nothing left to choose between the teams.

Twelve tries and 84 points were split equally, with the game ending in a breathless 42-42 draw, which has now been confirmed as the highest-scoring draw in the history of Test rugby.

The 2012 Africa Cup game between Madagascar and Namibia was 43-43 after 80 minutes, but that match went to extra-time and was played to a finish, with a final scoreline of 57-54 to the Makis.

Last September, Chile and Samoa fought out a 32-32 draw in a RWC 2027 qualifier, but until Saturday, the record was held by international rugby’s oldest rivals, England and Scotland, thanks to the 2019 Calcutta Cup classic, which ended 38-38.