The intriguing prospect has left many fans, pundits, and armchair coaches squabbling over what is the best way to define eligibility as they select their own fantasy sides. Some people have selected their own squads based on provincial affiliation, while others have gone for island of birth or even high school attendance to base their selections.
Newly named All Blacks Captain Sam Cane waded into the subject during an appearance on Sky TV’s The Breakdown last week, saying the concept had a real ‘State of Origin’ feel to it.
“You will have guys that you predominantly view as South Island or North Island players because that’s where they play their code, but they are actually from the opposite end of the country,” Cane said.
When asked about how players should be selected for either side, Cane offered up two suggestions.
“I was thinking one or two options. One could be where you played your first fifteen rugby or where you played your first game of senior (club) footy.”
With the 10-round Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa competition confirmed to kick off on June 13, and a full Mitre 10 Cup competition scheduled to start on September 11, there is plenty of live action ahead for rugby-starved fans.
There is no word yet on whether a North v South clash will come to fruition in 2020, but if it does, how would you like to see eligibility decided? Have your say in our poll below.
The North v South clash was an annual fixture on the New Zealand rugby calendar from 1902 through to 1985 with its only stoppages coming during world wars. Since then though, only two games have been played, one in 1995 and most recently in 2012 at Forsyth Barr Stadium.