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Growing calls for three-match North vs South series after high quality thriller in Wellington
By Online Editors
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.
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.
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.
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Latest Comments
There is this thing going around against Siya Kolisi where they don't want him to be known as the best national captain ever, so they strike him down in ratings permanently whenever they can. They want McCaw and reckons he is the best captain ever. I disagree.
Just like they refuse to see SA as the best team and some have even said that should the Boks win a third WC in a row, they will still not be the best team ever. Even if they win every game between now and the WC. That is some serious hate coming SA's way.
Everyone forget how the McCaw AB's intimidated refs, was always on the wrong side, played on the ground etc. Things they would never have gotten away with today. They may have a better win ratio, but SA build depth, not caring about rank inbetween WC's until this year.
They weren't as bad inbetween as people claim, because non e of their losses was big ones and they almost never faced the strongest Bok team outside of the WC, allowing countries like France and Ireland to rise to the top unopposed.
Rassie is still at it, building more depth, getting more young stars into the fold. By the time he leaves (I hope never) he will leave a very strong Bok side for the next 15- 20 years. Not everyone will play for 20 years, but each year Rassie acknowledge the young stars and get them involved and ready for international rugby.
Not everyone will make it to the WC, but those 51/52 players will compete for those spots for the WC. They will deliver their best. The future of the Boks is in very safe hands. The only thing that bothers me is Rassie's health. If he can overcome it, rugby looks dark for the rest of the rugby world. He is already the greatest coach in WR history. By the time he retires, he will be the biggest legend any sport has ever seen
Go to commentsWas it? I just brought it up in some of my posts to rub it in that the AB last year nearly put 100 on a top 6N side lol
I agree to be honest. The biggest key to me that they might be jadded was none of them had mom performances, or even as good as their last three games.
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