Ok, so this is probably a ridiculous idea that'll never happen but would it be that difficult to facilitate an annual southern hemisphere vs northern hemisphere grudge match? One year it could be played at one of the grand stadiums in the southern hemisphere (so northern hemisphere would be 'away') and then the next vice versa. The best squad of players from NZ, Aus, SA and Argentina (plus pacific islands etc if good enough) against the best players from Eng, Wal, Sco, Ire, Fra, Ita etc etc.
One player has brought this idea to mind: Sergio Parisse. To my mind one of the best no.8's in world rugby but never really going to have the opportunity to showcase his talents on the world stage. Ok he takes Italy to world cups but as the case with Italy it then all goes a bit wrong. Not his fault, not really Italy's fault. They always give it a damn good go but you have to admit that if he had been born in one of the more established rugby nations then by now his name would be synonymous with being a world class no.8. This idea would give him the opportunity to play against the best and actually compete for a change. I'm not saying he would be a shoe-in for the NH starting XV as there are notable competitors, but you catch my drift.
Look at the phenomenon that is the British & Irish Lions tour. Must have started somewhere and it has grown massively in popularity over the years. The rugby monarchy and 'knowledge' are always extolling the SH and panning the NH. Well let's have the best XV's from both hemispheres against each other and see who comes out on top....
Could be interesting? Or dead in the water?
One player has brought this idea to mind: Sergio Parisse. To my mind one of the best no.8's in world rugby but never really going to have the opportunity to showcase his talents on the world stage. Ok he takes Italy to world cups but as the case with Italy it then all goes a bit wrong. Not his fault, not really Italy's fault. They always give it a damn good go but you have to admit that if he had been born in one of the more established rugby nations then by now his name would be synonymous with being a world class no.8. This idea would give him the opportunity to play against the best and actually compete for a change. I'm not saying he would be a shoe-in for the NH starting XV as there are notable competitors, but you catch my drift.
Look at the phenomenon that is the British & Irish Lions tour. Must have started somewhere and it has grown massively in popularity over the years. The rugby monarchy and 'knowledge' are always extolling the SH and panning the NH. Well let's have the best XV's from both hemispheres against each other and see who comes out on top....
Could be interesting? Or dead in the water?