NZ North vs South Game Thread

[Carter's Choice]

For instance, there's no getting away from the fact that the South has been propped up by 8 players from the North and without them, they'd be down trouw'd and spanked. It would be none if Read hadn't effectively retired from this sort of event.

There are also a number of SI born players featuring for the NI team. Why are mainly North Island based posters such as yourself so upset by the criteria used?

[Ted.]

Why does this match have to be an All Black trial? That's just ridiculous. It's worth watching simply because it's the best players in NZ on show. I'd be more critical of Foster if he did use this one-off match to select his team, as opposed to SR form and historical form with the AB's. The NRL's State of Origin series doesn't pretend to be a Kangaroos trial, yet people still enjoy watching it. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I'm totally fine with it simply being entertainment. I'd love a three match series, I miss watching NZ rugby.

Well yes, but if that were the rationale they've badly missed a trick in that something more akin to the old North vs South eligibility should have been used. Now that generated a buzz. At least that criteria was a lot more credible than this jacked up match rigged exhibition game.

[Ted.]

For instance, there's no getting away from the fact that the South has been propped up by 8 players from the North and without them, they'd be down trouw'd and spanked. It would be none if Read hadn't effectively retired from this sort of event.

There are also a number of SI born players featuring for the NI team. Why are mainly North Island based posters such as yourself so upset by the criteria used?

Yeah, it's a crying shame dMac can't play for the south or the other bloke ....... help me out, I forget his name. Is it the mighty Mitchel Hunt?

Besides, we're not talking about born, but bred.

[Carter's Choice]

Why does this match have to be an All Black trial? That's just ridiculous. It's worth watching simply because it's the best players in NZ on show. I'd be more critical of Foster if he did use this one-off match to select his team, as opposed to SR form and historical form with the AB's. The NRL's State of Origin series doesn't pretend to be a Kangaroos trial, yet people still enjoy watching it. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I'm totally fine with it simply being entertainment. I'd love a three match series, I miss watching NZ rugby.

Well yes, but if that were the rationale they've badly missed a trick in that something more akin to the old North vs South eligibility should have been used. Now that generated a buzz. At least that criteria was a lot more credible than this jacked up match rigged exhibition game.

I think this criteria is very credible. Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu playing for the SI would be just as farcical as Jordie Barrett playing for the SI.

[Ted.]

Why does this match have to be an All Black trial? That's just ridiculous. It's worth watching simply because it's the best players in NZ on show. I'd be more critical of Foster if he did use this one-off match to select his team, as opposed to SR form and historical form with the AB's. The NRL's State of Origin series doesn't pretend to be a Kangaroos trial, yet people still enjoy watching it. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I'm totally fine with it simply being entertainment. I'd love a three match series, I miss watching NZ rugby.

Well yes, but if that were the rationale they've badly missed a trick in that something more akin to the old North vs South eligibility should have been used. Now that generated a buzz. At least that criteria was a lot more credible than this jacked up match rigged exhibition game.

I think this criteria is very credible. Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu playing for the SI would be just as farcical as Jordie Barrett playing for the SI.

You're reaching now, AC. About the only thing that PT has in common with ChCh is his birth. He was whisked away to the North soon after.

[Carter's Choice]

You're reaching now, AC. About the only thing that PT has in common with ChCh is his birth. He was whisked away to the North soon after.

But he'd play for the SI under your preferred criteria. Do you agree that would be farcical?

[Ted.]

You're reaching now, AC. About the only thing that PT has in common with ChCh is his birth. He was whisked away to the North soon after.

But he'd play for the SI under your preferred criteria. Do you agree that would be farcical?

It's obvious you don't know the criteria for the traditional North vs South* matches, AC. But yes I do think that would be somewhat farcical, though there are always anomalies thrown up, which adds a bit of spice. However, nothing approaching the wholesale gerrymandering that has gone on with this contrived farce of a game. Anyway, as I'm a fair minded person, I'd be more than happy to wear TP on the chin in the name of consistency and saving Southern man tears.








* It was all over the shop.

[Carter's Choice]

Well I'm really looking forward to this match.

I hope Richie Mo'unga makes Barrett his plaything, his private dancer, his 'Around the way girl. I would also love to see the unheralded South Island backrow outplay their much vaunted NI counterparts. Blues fans have been fellating Fatso Akira Ioane all season and it's now time to bring him down to Earth. To show that he is physically and mentally unsuitable for higher honours.

[Jb1981]

For instance, there's no getting away from the fact that the South has been propped up by 8 players from the North and without them, they'd be down trouw'd and spanked. It would be none if Read hadn't effectively retired from this sort of event.

There are also a number of SI born players featuring for the NI team. Why are mainly North Island based posters such as yourself so upset by the criteria used?

Yeah, it's a crying shame dMac can't play for the south or the other bloke ....... help me out, I forget his name. Is it the mighty Mitchel Hunt?

Besides, we're not talking about born, but bred.

Don’t forget ALB.

Anyway, come on the South.

[stemoc]

they name the AB's tomorrow at 11am, not sure why, Fiji has more chance of playing a test this year (8N) than NZ..i read a recent news report that TRC might be cancelled cause the saffers are saying fuck you to southern hemisphere rugby...if that happens, maybe NZ can call in samoa and tonga for test matches in NZ.............oh wait never mind, those 2 countries are not going to one their borders till 2021 maybe disband the AB's this year and focus on Mitre10?

[Carter's Choice]

they name the AB's tomorrow at 11am, not sure why, Fiji has more chance of playing a test this year (8N) than NZ..i read a recent news report that TRC might be cancelled cause the saffers are saying fuck you to southern hemisphere rugby...if that happens, maybe NZ can call in samoa and tonga for test matches in NZ.............oh wait never mind, those 2 countries are not going to one their borders till 2021 maybe disband the AB's this year and focus on Mitre10?

Yeah the chances of the AB's playing a test match this year are low. However I expect Foster will still want to run extended training camps, even if that means destroying the Mitre 10 Cup in the process by excluding all the AB players. Foster will want to pull rank and show the lowly provincial coaches that he's the alpha coach in NZ and they exist only to serve him.

[Monkey Magic]

they name the AB's tomorrow at 11am, not sure why, Fiji has more chance of playing a test this year (8N) than NZ..i read a recent news report that TRC might be cancelled cause the saffers are saying fuck you to southern hemisphere rugby...if that happens, maybe NZ can call in samoa and tonga for test matches in NZ.............oh wait never mind, those 2 countries are not going to one their borders till 2021 maybe disband the AB's this year and focus on Mitre10?

In the interview with Grant Fox there was talk of travel to Australia for Bledisloe for at least 2 tests, including quarantine hence need to look at possibly extended squad as you wouldn't be able to easily bring in injury cover

[Carter's Choice]

'Born and bred' that's a heck of a criteria. And a really shit criteria as well. Presumably some players wouldn't be able to qualify for either team based on the 'born and bred' rule that some North Island posters are demanding?

[Jb1981]

'Born and bred' that's a heck of a criteria. And a really shit criteria as well. Presumably some players wouldn't be able to qualify for either team based on the 'born and bred' rule that some North Island posters are demanding?

I think it’s quaint. For a contrived game there is a strange amount of concern coming from the North.

[Carter's Choice]

'Born and bred' that's a heck of a criteria. And a really shit criteria as well. Presumably some players wouldn't be able to qualify for either team based on the 'born and bred' rule that some North Island posters are demanding?

I think it’s quaint. For a contrived game there is a strange amount of concern coming from the North.

It's almost as if they're worried about losing this match, despite boasting 4 times the population and player base.

[Monkey Magic]

'Born and bred' that's a heck of a criteria. And a really shit criteria as well. Presumably some players wouldn't be able to qualify for either team based on the 'born and bred' rule that some North Island posters are demanding?

I think it’s quaint. For a contrived game there is a strange amount of concern coming from the North.

It's almost as if they're worried about losing this match, despite boasting 4 times the population and player base.

If we lose its obviously because if the long term Canterbury plan of getting one of their own installed as our captain to corrupt us from within. Its Robbie Deans at the wallabies all over again.

Whats the shield season looking like this year? If the mitre 10 cup teams keep their all blacks it could be a great showdown, think they have wellington and auckland but avoid Tasman?

[Jb1981]

Here’s Canterbury’s draw. If they manage to keep the shield they’ll have got past Taranaki, Wellington, Waikato, Otago and Auckland. Manage that and I read that they will be either be equal or one off Auckland’s record for total shield defences (all time).

[FujiKiwi]

It's almost as if they're worried about losing this match, despite boasting 4 times the population and player base.

I don’t think anyone apart from yourself is that invested as to which of the two groups of North Islanders win this match.

[Carter's Choice]

It's almost as if they're worried about losing this match, despite boasting 4 times the population and player base.

I don’t think anyone apart from yourself is that invested as to which of the two groups of North Islanders win this match.

It's a game featuring Mo'unga vs Barrett, bloody oath I'm invested. I pity people like yourselves who will glean no joy from this contest.

[Enzedder]

It's almost as if they're worried about losing this match, despite boasting 4 times the population and player base.

I don’t think anyone apart from yourself is that invested as to which of the two groups of North Islanders win this match.

[stemoc]

It's almost as if they're worried about losing this match, despite boasting 4 times the population and player base.

I don’t think anyone apart from yourself is that invested as to which of the two groups of North Islanders win this match.

hey old fart, if cruden wasn't leaving for Japan, do you think he would have featured at 10 for the North side with BB moved to 15

[Carter's Choice]

Here’s Canterbury’s draw. If they manage to keep the shield they’ll have got past Taranaki, Wellington, Waikato, Otago and Auckland. Manage that and I read that they will be either be equal or one off Auckland’s record for total shield defences (all time).

That's the toughest draw to retain the RS that I've seen in a very long time. There's no way we win all those matches. But that's okay, our region is all about SR titles and success. The Ranfurly Shield is a much bigger deal for the nothing-provinces.

[stemoc]

they'll retain it only to lose it to auckland on the last challenge... mark my words.

[Carter's Choice]

they'll retain it only to lose it to auckland on the last challenge... mark my words.

I don't really care. We won Super Rugby Aotearoa, the toughest comp the world has ever known. The Mitre 10 Cup and RS would be a nice bonus, but the main event is done and dusted and we won it. With a week to spare. That makes me so happy!

[Carter's Choice]

What time is this match being played?

[Jb1981]

7.10pm kick off local time.

[Trapper]

5pm in Aus I believe.

The quality of these two teams is something else and then you look at who is not available. I’m pleased Ngani is not playing.

[Certain Navigator]

You're reaching now, AC. About the only thing that PT has in common with ChCh is his birth. He was whisked away to the North soon after.

But he'd play for the SI under your preferred criteria. Do you agree that would be farcical?

It's obvious you don't know the criteria for the traditional North vs South* matches, AC. But yes I do think that would be somewhat farcical, though there are always anomalies thrown up, which adds a bit of spice. However, nothing approaching the wholesale gerrymandering that has gone on with this contrived farce of a game. Anyway, as I'm a fair minded person, I'd be more than happy to wear TP on the chin in the name of consistency and saving Southern man tears.








* It was all over the shop.

The traditional criterion was province played for during that year. It never had anything to do with born and bred. So this year's sorting strategy is indeed a bit weird, but not for the reason you (and numerous history-struggling rugby journalists) are claiming.

[Certain Navigator]

It's almost as if they're worried about losing this match, despite boasting 4 times the population and player base.

I don’t think anyone apart from yourself is that invested as to which of the two groups of North Islanders win this match.

By place of birth (a dumb criterion, but one that seems to be popular in some quarters), there are actually 3 groups — North, South, and PI: their representations are 18, 8 and 4 respectively. So the South punches above its weight population-wise and the PI even more so.

[Not_Couch]

they'll retain it only to lose it to auckland on the last challenge... mark my words.

I don't really care. We won Super Rugby Aotearoa, the toughest comp the world has ever known. The Mitre 10 Cup and RS would be a nice bonus, but the main event is done and dusted and we won it. With a week to spare. That makes me so happy!

You sound like a 40 year old virgin

[FujiKiwi]

It's almost as if they're worried about losing this match, despite boasting 4 times the population and player base.

I don’t think anyone apart from yourself is that invested as to which of the two groups of North Islanders win this match.

By place of birth (a dumb criterion, but one that seems to be popular in some quarters), there are actually 3 groups — North, South, and PI: their representations are 18, 8 and 4 respectively. So the South punches above its weight population-wise and the PI even more so.

Great. I'm looking forward to how all 8 South Islanders involved in tonight's match go. .

[Slarty FizzyO]

I love how the starting line ups has made this a default Polys (North) vs Palagis (South) game with a couple of tokens in each. It's absolutely fitting for each island and reminiscent of lunchtime school games

[Not_Couch]

This 2012 North vs South match on sky is pretty entertaining

Kurt Baker looks like a superstar out there

[Macropal]

Well I'm really looking forward to this match.

I hope Richie Mo'unga makes Barrett his plaything, his private dancer, his 'Around the way girl. I would also love to see the unheralded South Island backrow outplay their much vaunted NI counterparts. Blues fans have been fellating Fatso Akira Ioane all season and it's now time to bring him down to Earth. To show that he is physically and mentally unsuitable for higher honours.

Yep, I'm with this, Hurricanes fans are typically the most deluded on either board.

[Not_Couch]

Well I'm really looking forward to this match.

I hope Richie Mo'unga makes Barrett his plaything, his private dancer, his 'Around the way girl. I would also love to see the unheralded South Island backrow outplay their much vaunted NI counterparts. Blues fans have been fellating Fatso Akira Ioane all season and it's now time to bring him down to Earth. To show that he is physically and mentally unsuitable for higher honours.

Yep, I'm with this, Hurricanes fans are typically the most deluded on either board.

The amount of validation Cantabrians need from us northerners is quite humorous, all those titles yet nobody wants to be like you. Sad really.

[Macropal]

Well I'm really looking forward to this match.

I hope Richie Mo'unga makes Barrett his plaything, his private dancer, his 'Around the way girl. I would also love to see the unheralded South Island backrow outplay their much vaunted NI counterparts. Blues fans have been fellating Fatso Akira Ioane all season and it's now time to bring him down to Earth. To show that he is physically and mentally unsuitable for higher honours.

Yep, I'm with this, Hurricanes fans are typically the most deluded on either board.

The amount of validation Cantabrians need from us northerners is quite humorous, all those titles yet nobody wants to be like you. Sad really.

I'm a Southlander, I'm used to failure, Hurricanes fans are convinced 1-15, every one of your players should be starting ABs.

[Gumboot]

So looking forward to this game. Didn't think it had much chance of being played, tbh.

Not expecting any bolters in the ABs squad being named tomorrow, but I wonder if this is a make-or-break game for Akira.

[Jb1981]

Well I'm really looking forward to this match.

I hope Richie Mo'unga makes Barrett his plaything, his private dancer, his 'Around the way girl. I would also love to see the unheralded South Island backrow outplay their much vaunted NI counterparts. Blues fans have been fellating Fatso Akira Ioane all season and it's now time to bring him down to Earth. To show that he is physically and mentally unsuitable for higher honours.

Yep, I'm with this, Hurricanes fans are typically the most deluded on either board.

The amount of validation Cantabrians need from us northerners is quite humorous, all those titles yet nobody wants to be like you. Sad really.

And yet Canterbury/Crusader coaches are everywhere. Even my avatar was given a go at the Hurricanes in the hope of creating some of the Crusaders magic.

It’s easy to say no one wants to be like the Crusaders/Canterbury but actions speak louder than words.

[Ted.]

Well I'm really looking forward to this match.

I hope Richie Mo'unga makes Barrett his plaything, his private dancer, his 'Around the way girl. I would also love to see the unheralded South Island backrow outplay their much vaunted NI counterparts. Blues fans have been fellating Fatso Akira Ioane all season and it's now time to bring him down to Earth. To show that he is physically and mentally unsuitable for higher honours.

So am I.

And thanks for the chat. I've been working but not wanting to.

[Jb1981]

Being starved of rugby makes the prospect of this game very exciting.