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Kangaroos vs All Blacks? I'd like to see that!

9th November, 2017
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Hallelujah, Israel Folau is back where he belongs (AAP Image/David Moir)
Roar Guru
9th November, 2017
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4047 Reads

Reports have emerged off a possible hybrid rugby match between the Australia Kangaroos and New Zealand All Blacks in Tokyo, estimated to generate $50 million.

Both nations are expected to pick up a handsome $10 million, with each player receiving a $600,000 cut of the pie.

It’s an untapped partnership which could reap enormous rewards for both codes, and could even help to revive Rugby Australia.

The match would unite supporters of both codes, with the potential for TV ratings that could rival State of Origin, or the AFL and NRL grand finals.

It could also be just what rugby league needs to gain a foothold in the lucrative Japanese market, after their national team – the Samurais – narrowly defeated Hong Kong 24-22 over the weekend.

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There would be a plethora of scintillating match-ups across the park.

Michael Morgan comes up against Beauden Barrett, with veteran Cameron Smith taking on the All Blacks’ explosive young hooker Asafo Aumua. Josh Dugan could get a shock if he were to come up against Sonny Bill Williams, while Ngani Laumape and Matt Duffie could transfer their rugby league skills over.

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Just don’t ask Brad Thorn where his allegiance would lie.

The rulebook might prove a head-scratcher, though.

Thirteen players (six forwards, seven backs) will be allowed on the field, with seven reserves. Each team will be in possession of the ball for 60 seconds, with two referees game (one from each code). When attacking out of your own half, league rules will be enforced, while union laws are in place in the opposition half. Lineouts will have six players with no lifting.

Tries are worth five points while conversions and penalty goals award two points, and field goals one.

It’s been tried before with great success, after Western Suburbs Magpies defeated Randwick Galloping Greens 47-19 at the old Parramatta Stadium in 2015.

If it becomes a success, why not expand the concept? Imagine Wayne Bennett’s England coming up against Israel Folau and the Wallabies. Or how about a club series featuring games such as Canterbury Crusaders versus Wigan Warriors, Brisbane Broncos versus Saracens, and Scarlets versus Toronto Wolfpack.

Imagine the fanfare surrounding a game between the Fijian Drua and Papua New Guinea Hunters!

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Hybrid rugby still remains a pipe dream, but it could soon become a reality and a precious commodity to both codes.

Roarers, would you be excited to see the world’s best in rugby league and rugby union go head-to-head?

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