Growing calls for three-match North vs South series after high quality thriller in Wellington
The South’s last gasp thrilling win over the North Island at Sky Stadium in Wellington has led calls for the rep fixture to be expanded into a three match series by players and fans alike.
Speaking to media in the post-match press conference, Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea said he wished it was a three match series with the chance to avenge the 38-35 loss, to provide New Zealand Rugby’s answer to Rugby League’s State of Origin series.
“I wish it was a three game series. Hopefully, whoever is in charge can make this game happen every year and turn it into a State of O [Origin] series,” he said.
“Pretty gutted about the loss, it would have been awesome to play again next week and redeem ourselves.”
Ardie Savea’s sentiment was shared by former All Black teammate Lima Sopoaga who said ‘surely’ it will be made into a series after a ‘hell of a game’. Fans also joined the chorus of those wanting more.
Surely just make it 3 game series . Hell of a game.
— Lima Sopoaga (@LimaSopoaga) September 5, 2020
This really should be a 3 game series like State of Origin 🔥#NorthvSouth
— Tino Jnr Poluleuligaga (@JIP2EZY) September 5, 2020
Recorded it and going back in again later for seconds….as it was so good. Make it best of 3 next year #NorthvSouth
— Doug the Prop🏉💙💛 (@DougProp) September 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/MRrugbyworldcup/status/1302198643487723520
We need a best of 3 for this #NorthvSouth 😭😭😭😭😭
— El Jefe (@GoddyJatelo) September 5, 2020
Make it a 3 game series #NorthvSouth
— AveTata (@Jhn_mrk86) September 5, 2020
Can we get a best-of-three series please?!? #NorthvSouth
— Moses Rudende (BEWILDERED HERD MEMBER #0069) (@rudende) September 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/MacGman3/status/1302171098440585216
https://twitter.com/Allsortssports1/status/1302160847842623490
They should make it a 3 game series….that shxt was entertaining 🔥 #NorthvSouth
— Eronz (@EroniGKF) September 5, 2020
@ardiesavea calling for #NorthvSouth to be an annual fixture, and would love to see it expanded to a 3-match series like State of Origin.
Tough one to juggle into a usually congested calendar, but throw a sellout crowd into the mix, and it’s a tasty proposition for NZR.
— Dewi Preece (@DewiPreece1) September 5, 2020
With New Zealand’s best talent on show, the two sides provided a thrilling back-and-forth contest in a high-scoring game filled with audacious skills and fast-paced action. It is believed the clash would have sold out if crowds were allowed entry, offering an enticing proposition for NZR going forward.
The contest appealed to rugby fans overseas, with those in the UK praising the game for the spectacle of skills on show.
From watching the an unbelievable #NorthvSouth game in New Zealand this morning to Quins struggling to use their 3 man overlap #HARvBTH
— Gareth Rees (@garethrees9) September 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/PaulHarris3/status/1302167040938192902
New Zealand rugby is simply amazing, running rugby, try after try. #NorthvsSouth
— the sweetest taboo ™️ (@TheOldMutualGuy) September 5, 2020
Anyone who wants to watch elite rugby, watch the north south game from this evening, absolute class from start to last minute….70 + points, 10 tries…NZ rugby in fine fettle…Pity no crowd there, but still electrifying #NorthvsSouth
— mkirkpat (@mkirkpat) September 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/AdamReesy/status/1302176840942063616
With the future of SANZAAR Rugby up in the air and reports that Super Rugby Aotearoa will return in 2021, a three-match annual series for North vs South could be the answer to fill a calendar that will be short of test rugby without The Rugby Championship able to take place in its full form.
The All Blacks are due to announce a test squad at 11am Sunday NZST for a yet-to-be confirmed four-match Bledisloe series with the Wallabies, however, if that becomes complicated then maybe a three match North vs South series will be arranged.
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
51 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
51 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
51 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
51 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
51 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
51 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
51 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments