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Ex-All Black Cory Jane's ingenious selection formula for dream North vs South Island game

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

The Covid-19 pandemic has cast a lot of uncertainty over the global rugby calendar, the combination of travel restrictions, lockdowns and social distancing meaning international competitions and fixtures seem increasingly unlikely this year. 

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Countries have been left to their own devices as to when rugby can begin again with New Zealand the first to announce a return to action with their Super Rugby Aotearoa competition starting in June. 

Australia could well follow with a similar internal competition, and a potential four-Test Bledisloe Cup series also looks to be in the works. But the prospect of the All Blacks or Wallabies touring Europe at the end of the year looks to be a faint hope. 

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In such a crisis, unions have been forced to innovate – as seen with Super Rugby Aotearoa – but many more ideas are being shared by those involved in the game. Ex-All Blacks winger Cory Jane has given his opinion on the concept of a North versus South Island contest in New Zealand. 

This is an idea that has been perennially discussed but has gathered even more momentum during the pandemic with current and former players weighing in on the matter. With limited options outside of New Zealand, this is now a case of looking within. 

2011 World Cup winner James, who now works on the Hurricanes coaching staff, wants to see a system similar to the NBA’s All-Star game where players are voted by fans and then selected by coaches. Given the depth and class of the player base in New Zealand, this contest would unequivocally be of Test match standard. 

If there was any doubt about the quality of this possible fixture, four of New Zealand’s five franchises were crowned Super Rugby champions in the past decade alone, in addition to the All Blacks’ two RWC titles and a litany of Rugby Championships. 

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This is something that has been nothing short of a pipe dream in recent years and although there are some obstacles, namely determining the eligibility of players, it is growing ever closer to potentially being a reality. 

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R
RedWarrior 31 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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