After a postponement and a change of venue, 2020’s most anticipated rugby match is almost here.
All Blacks players will take on each other in the North vs South match in Wellington on Saturday. The final teams have now been named.
It includes a mouth watering match up between Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett. Barrett’s brother Jordie is on the South team which will also be a fascinating rivalry.
It’s been eight years since the concept was played and most are expecting some entertaining running rugby like in 2012 when the South won 32-24.
The North are seeking revenge and the coach believes he has the players to do just that.
“It’s an exciting squad that we’ve picked for this special match. There’s a huge amount of lot of talent in the side. There’s some real power in the forwards and some speed in the backs,” North Head Coach John Plumtree said.
The North team
Forwards: 1. Karl Tu’inukuafe 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Hoskins Sotutu.
Backs: 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Replacements: 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Ayden Johnstone, 18. Angus Ta’avao, 19. Scott Scrafton, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23. Mitchell Hunt.
The South team
Forwards: 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Samuel Whitelock (captain), 5. Mitchell Dunshea, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Tom Sanders.
Backs: 9. Brad Weber, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. George Bridge, 12. Jack Goodhue, 13. Brayden Ennor, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Jordie Barrett
Replacements: 16. Liam Coltman, 17. George Bower, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20. Dillon Hunt, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Josh Ioane, 23. Leicester Faingaanuku.
CUW
Roar Rookie
Fifita cant even find a bench spot at Hurricanes - :laughing:
CUW
Roar Rookie
Christie was U20 captain in 2018
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Tu'u is very good, but Sotutu IMO is even better, good runner, excellent in defence and as good as any 8 I have seen recently at disrupting line outs. Bottom line is there are multiple good 8s out there in SR Aotearoa but Sotutu to me stands out above them all.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Perenara remains the best defensive scrum half in the sport. So don't write him off too quickly.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I agree about the Force, they are simply just making up the numbers and I can clearly see why NZ showed no interest in them. Between the top 4 Oz teams the competition has been close with only one result in the first 5 rounds of these 4 teams being separated by more then 7 points. That is a completive comp and the next few rounds resulted in some shock upsets. I do think the Tahs and Rebels can compete against the Chief and Highlanders give that the Rebels have already beaten the Highlanders in NZ this year and the Tahs as much as I dislike them have improved considerably since Covid-19 shutdown. I will watch the game, Tahs are a dangerous side if they get to the finals and I am sure Reds and Brumbies fans don't want them to make it.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Your the one stomping your foot like a little boy because someone has a different opinion then you. As I said, you are the one persisting to respond as you have a problem with someone having a different view then you.
killaku
Roar Rookie
Fix your State of Origin before trying to fix NZ rugby
killaku
Roar Rookie
Weaker competition and NZ teams would smash the Aussie ones
killaku
Roar Rookie
If you talking from an Aussie view,Yes.But this is like an All star game with the best players in the SH.The return game was the most anticipated with a sold out crowd.
Coker
Roar Rookie
Which of McKenzie, Lienert-Brown and Tuipulotu do you count as not being born in the south?
Coker
Roar Rookie
It's hardly any more difficult now — just make it the franchise you play for: Crusaders/Highlanders vs Blues/Canes/Chiefs.
Coker
Roar Rookie
Looks weak compared to the South.
Coker
Roar Rookie
For 100 years, the North-South match was based on where a player currently lived and the province he played for, so if that were the the criterion it could hardly be described as 'odd'. 'Where they are from' would, however, be decidedly unusual.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@Olly Don't agree. All the NZ games were more competitive and much higher quality than SR AU. And most were also closer game scores too. There were no thrashings like the Force got on 2 occasions. Unfortunate Chiefs didn't win a game but every game they played was close. If they ever played the Force this yr it would have been a 50+ point flogging. And competitiveness is not the only criteria for my interest anyway. Just as important is the skill level, passion and attacking tactics played. Only Brumbies and Reds (in 2020) can compete on those levels with the NZ provinces. You can watch the boring Force v Rebels game if you want this arvo. I'll be watching Nth v Sth islands :thumbup:
Coker
Roar Rookie
Not sure about the weights, but suspect you're right that North is heavier. The South front row looks considerably better than the North one, with significant individual superiority in two of the three positions.
woodart
Guest
olly couldnt handle the jandal. probably moan that its not a candle.
moaman
Roar Guru
Ben, I could be wrong here but I think there was a period--maybe even a season, where TJP showed a snappier pass.It looked as though Steve Hansen had given him a work-on and he had taken it on board. Four or five years ago? Anyway, he soon regressed and his failure to develop a quicker pass is the sole reason I don't like to see him in an AB squad. I am old enough to remember the major difference between Sid Going and Lin Colling! :unhappy:
Ben
Guest
Olly, were you a spoilt child growing up? The one who used to stomp his feet and throw stuff around when he didnt get what he wanted? Reminds me of this story... 2 Samoan boys and a Palagi boy got into some trouble together at school. The following day they were discussing their respective punishments. The first Samoan boy says "man, my dad was so angry he whacked my legs with the jandel. Look at these marks...wow was he angry!". The second Samoan boy says " me too bro. My ol man went through the roof, whacked me with the broom. Look at these marks. Far out he was wild angry!!". They both looked at the Palagi boy who says " yeah man, my ol man was sooooo angry. He was so pist off ...he...he...he sent me to my room!!!". The 2 Samoan boys look at each other and state in amazement "Bro...you got your own room???" Thats you huh Olly...probably needed the jandle or the broom...
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
lol I know right. Totally missed that one, twice!
Terminator
Roar Rookie
Fifita is a failed All Black- only 1 good test out of 12 appearances. Marino Mikaela Tu’u is a MUCH more complete player than you give him credit for. Foster had room for one 8 to select between Sotutu and Tu’u. He choose Sotutu now in order to sow up his eligibility for NZ and not England or Fiji. Based on performance, not much separates Tu’u or Sotutu.