ANZAC game on radar for Wallabies

[travelling_gerry]

ANZAC game on radar for Wallabies

• Iain Payten
• From: The Daily Telegraph
• September 10, 2010 12:00AM

THEY say if you can't beat 'em, join them.

And while the Wallabies are intent on finally beating New Zealand tomorrow night in Sydney, the prospect of joining forces with the All Blacks could be on the radar as well.

Putting together the best players from the Wallabies and the All Blacks in an ANZAC XV and possibly playing in Europe has been discussed behind closed doors at the Australian Rugby Union.

And though no firm plans have been established, the idea of uniting the world's top two teams was welcomed by both the Wallabies and All Blacks captains this week.

An ANZAC team has played just once before against the British Lions in 1989 at Ballymore. The "fourth" Test was not a true trans-Tasman side, however, with most Kiwis electing to withdraw to play in the NPC.


Twelve of the run-on side that lost 19-15 were Australian.

Though a reprise of the ANZACs v British and Irish Lions in 2013 would be mouth-watering, it's understood the Lions tour schedule has already been mapped out and contains no room for such a game.

Instead, a possible ANZAC XV game - or even SANZAR XV - has been looked at for after a World Cup. There are no inbound tours in June during World Cup years, and Barbarians-style games against several home nations would draw big crowds and big money.

Given no formal talks have been held with the NZRU yet, such a tour next year would be unlikely, however.

The IRB would also need to tick off the idea.

But the players are keen. Asked if he'd be interested in playing in an ANZAC XV this week, Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom said: "There'd be enormous appetite for that, from both the players and the fans. Definitely. Whether it could happen is another question."

Kiwi counterpart Richie McCaw added: "It'd be a bit of fun, yeah. If it was played in like a Barbarians atmosphere, it'd be good. The guys enjoy those relaxed experiences.

"But the trouble is finding a time to play it."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1225916676061

[Burgs]

"the world's top two teams"
Rolls off the tongue nicely doesn't it?

I think Rocky should consider if he would be in the 22 before getting too supportive.

[sandgroperrugby]

I would pay good money to watch a true ANZAC team play the B&I Lions.

[Swee_82]

I would pay good money to watch a true ANZAC team play the B&I Lions.

Seconded

[jargan83]

I would pay good money to watch a true ANZAC team play the B&I Lions.

Seconded

Thirded

Motion passed

[Sheikh]

I'd suggest an annual game of northern hemisphere stars vs southern hemisphere stars, but it'd get embarassing winning 70-0 every time.

[The InnFORCEr]

Not sure if this is using the term ANZAC in it's correct context, aside from that....bring it on

[TOCC]

it be definetly interesting, you have to question how many wallabies would actually make the starting team though

[travelling_gerry]

Haven't you heard of the Quota system?

[Burgs]

If not part of the Lions Tour, perhaps have it half way between each World Cup.

[AndyS]

Or maybe the year before, given that the rankings no longer count toward the WC pools...two years of tours to sort out the pools, then something like this, then the RWC.

[TOCC]

If not part of the Lions Tour, perhaps have it half way between each World Cup.

champ, you realise the lions tours are every 4 years....2 years or halfway after each RWC

[Burgs]

No shit Sherlock, doesn't mean it has to be part of the Tour or even in the Southern Hemisphere winter...champ.

[TOCC]

Lol
Posted via Mobile Device

[AndyS]

Or the Lions become part of a RWC public awareness and fundraising program, which would particular assist the minor teams that always seem to struggle with cash in the lead-up. Put the Lions, ANZACs, PIs+Japan, Americas, Europeans and Africans in a round robin comp, culminating in a NH v SH match.