|
Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
North vs South Island Match Teams ? 5 views
09 June 2014 by The Swede Eaters
|
| |
|
I used to love the North vs South Island games, who would you select?
Although it is difficult to fit a North vs South Island fixture into an already congested rugby season, I thought it would be great to hypothetically name the teams assuming all players are fit and available.
The North vs South Island fixture was an annual match played between 1897 and 1995 and it was played as a fundraiser in 2012 at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium. Unfortunately the 2012 version didn’t include any current All Blacks.
Given the domination of the All Blacks in recent seasons, both of these teams could potentially make the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals.
The North vs South Island teams below are based on Super Rugby 2014 teams with the Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes playing the Crusaders and Hurricanes. Sure, the North Island has more players to choose from, but the South Island may be advantaged by having a predominantly Crusaders team and therefore better combinations.
This match was traditionally based on the provincial allegiance, but given how the All Blacks hardly play ITM Cup rugby these days, it is probably better to base it on Super Rugby 2014. It is also easier given how many players are signed for provinces outside their Super Rugby franchise region.
We would assume that injured players like Charles Piutau and Luke Romano can be selected.
Players must be eligible for the All Blacks, so Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo couldn’t play left wing for the South.
This match would make a great All Blacks trial.
Who would win this match?
What do you think of these North vs South Island Teams 2014?
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2014/06/north-vs-south-island-rugby-match-2014.html
There are major talking points based on the lack of depth at hooker and in the midfield, while there is plenty of depth at Number Eight and prop. There are some good Number Eights like Steven Luatua and Nasi Manu who would make most other international squads, but would struggle to represent the North or South Island.
Shane Christie has been in such good form that he is too difficult to leave out.
NORTH
15. Charles Piutau
14. Cory Jane
13. Conrad Smith
12. Ma’a Nonu
11. Julian Savea
10. Beauden Barrett
9. TJ Perenara
8. Jerome Kaino
7. Sam Cane
6. Liam Messam
5. Brodie Retallick
4. Patrick Tuipulotu
3. Ben Franks
2. Dane Coles
1. Tony Woodcock
Reserves
16. Keven Mealamu
17. Charlie Faumuina
18. Ben Tameifuna
19. Jeremy Thrush
20. Victor Vito
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Aaron Cruden
23. Tim Nanai-Williams
SOUTH
15. Israel Dagg
14. Ben Smith
13. Malakai Fekitoa
12. Ryan Crotty
11. Patrick Osborne
10. Colin Slade
9. Aaron Smith
8. Kieran Read
7. Shane Christie
6. Richie McCaw
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Luke Romano
3. Owen Franks
2. Liam Coltman
1. Wyatt Crockett
Reserves
16. Corey Flynn
17. Kane Hames
18. Chris King
19. Dominic Bird
20. Luke Whitelock
21. Andy Ellis
22. Lima Sopoaga
23. Tom Taylor
|
|
|
➜ Previous Story
Next Story ➜
|
|
Tags:
All Blacks, Super Rugby,
|
|
|
|
|
|