Greatest test match ever?
Greatest test match ever?
I would probably say South Africa Vs British & Irish Lions - 2nd Test 2009.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
Couldn't put a year or anything on these, but the Blesidoe Cup game, I think 2015, was a cracker
SA vs NZ around that same time, maybe slightly earlier, was great as well
Lions - third test in the '13 tour and second test in the '17 tour were great but perhaps not all time great
From an Ireland perspective, the NZ game in Chicago, and in 2018 are highlights and the England game in 2018 to win the slam at Twickenham is up there too of recent times
SA vs NZ around that same time, maybe slightly earlier, was great as well
Lions - third test in the '13 tour and second test in the '17 tour were great but perhaps not all time great
From an Ireland perspective, the NZ game in Chicago, and in 2018 are highlights and the England game in 2018 to win the slam at Twickenham is up there too of recent times
Re: Greatest test match ever?
I think it was 2013, that was a phenomenal match.Ulsters Red Hand wrote:SA vs NZ around that same time, maybe slightly earlier, was great as well
I think the OP has it though, second Lions test in 2009 for me
Actually the WC SF between England and NZ was right up there too
Re: Greatest test match ever?
1995 or 2019?de_Selby wrote:
Actually the WC SF between England and NZ was right up there too
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
Kolkata, 2001
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
Best test that i ever saw. Still talk about that game today regularly. Had it all.Derwyn wrote:I would probably say South Africa Vs British & Irish Lions - 2nd Test 2009.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
both good games but far too single sidedSandstorm wrote:1995 or 2019?de_Selby wrote:
Actually the WC SF between England and NZ was right up there too
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
France v NZ ‘99 and ‘07
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Yep.Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
This match.
NZ 24-0 after 7 minutes! Australia ahead at halftime and then leading with minutes to go only for Lomu to stroll over. 100K people. I remember watching it in a pub and some kiwis came over and sat with us and we all just shook our heads and smiled. We knew we'd witnessed greatness.
Of course, Nobody kicked Australia to Bledisloe Cup glory in the next match so the loss didn't hurt that badly.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Recorded it on Sky this weekend and watched it. Was epic.boere wors wrote:Best test that i ever saw. Still talk about that game today regularly. Had it all.Derwyn wrote:I would probably say South Africa Vs British & Irish Lions - 2nd Test 2009.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
I have just found it in 720p on youtube:mdaclarke wrote:Recorded it on Sky this weekend and watched it. Was epic.boere wors wrote:Best test that i ever saw. Still talk about that game today regularly. Had it all.Derwyn wrote:I would probably say South Africa Vs British & Irish Lions - 2nd Test 2009.
1st half: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnUojJaIyB0
2nd half: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxWNkxK-8h8
Will watch it tomorrow evening, looking forward to it, haven't seen it since then

Re: Greatest test match ever?
That's easy.
Wembley 1999 Wales v England is the greatest test match.
Wembley 1999 Wales v England is the greatest test match.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
Bledisloe 2000 Sydney.
Bledisloe 1994, Sydney
RWC SF NZ vs Fra 1999, London
Bledisloe 1994, Sydney
RWC SF NZ vs Fra 1999, London
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Yep bled 2000 was the best - amazing gameLacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
Re: Greatest test match ever?
ThisThomas wrote:Yep.Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
This match.
NZ 24-0 after 7 minutes! Australia ahead at halftime and then leading with minutes to go only for Lomu to stroll over. 100K people. I remember watching it in a pub and some kiwis came over and sat with us and we all just shook our heads and smiled. We knew we'd witnessed greatness.
Of course, Nobody kicked Australia to Bledisloe Cup glory in the next match so the loss didn't hurt that badly.

Re: Greatest test match ever?
I’ve talked up that ‘09 Lions game many times now, it really does stand out as being particularly memorable for a neutral. The 2000 Bledisloe is obviously right up there. But it surely has to be the Brighton Miracle now. The pure shock of it, the stage, the quality of the tries and the sheer testicles required to get to that ending; it has to be in the conversation.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-t0PcxxXAY
And I was at that game. That finish still gives me wood.
And I was at that game. That finish still gives me wood.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
Points from that gameClogs wrote:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-t0PcxxXAY
And I was at that game. That finish still gives me wood.
- Otto going off for 30mins then coming back to replace Andrews.
- After scrum collapse, from rowers getting up in position and re-bind immediately. Unlike these days of players walking off then come back.
- cant believe Tiechman was dropped for RWC'99.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
Problem with brighton is that in the end it was a meaningless pool game. An arrogant, underprepared bok b team against a tier 2 nation firing on all holes. Certainly the biggest upset ever in Rugby, especially given its stage at a RWC, if not of all sports. But best game?naki wrote:I’ve talked up that ‘09 Lions game many times now, it really does stand out as being particularly memorable for a neutral. The 2000 Bledisloe is obviously right up there. But it surely has to be the Brighton Miracle now. The pure shock of it, the stage, the quality of the tries and the sheer testicles required to get to that ending; it has to be in the conversation.
What weightes especially heavy in the question of the best game is the occasion of the match imo. A bledisloe game, a tri or six nations decider, a RWC knockout match or a lions test are unmatched in intensity, hence the 2000 bled, 2013 SA v NZ or 2009 lions are certainly in contention.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
A drawn series probably does seem like Bledisloe glory after all these years, huh?Thomas wrote:Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
Of course, Nobody kicked Australia to Bledisloe Cup glory in the next match so the loss didn't hurt that badly.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
From a NZ perspective, it would surely have to be 1956 All Blacks v Springboks, 4th test.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Watching it now; it was a supremely forgettable Kiwi pack & centre partnership.Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
Re: Greatest test match ever?
I think any drawn series where you get to walk away with the trophy is glorious. English cricket fans probably feel the same way.Shrekles wrote:A drawn series probably does seem like Bledisloe glory after all these years, huh?Thomas wrote:Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
Of course, Nobody kicked Australia to Bledisloe Cup glory in the next match so the loss didn't hurt that badly.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
True. The backline contains 4 (maybe 5) all-time great ABs though.Mahoney wrote:Watching it now; it was a supremely forgettable Kiwi pack & centre partnership.Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
Re: Greatest test match ever?
The mid-field had one job - get good ball to that deadly back trio. They did it well.Thomas wrote:True. The backline contains 4 (maybe 5) all-time great ABs though.Mahoney wrote:Watching it now; it was a supremely forgettable Kiwi pack & centre partnership.Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
As an All Black fan I reserve the term 'glorious' for occasions when they actually win the series - we've had to make do with a mere 12 glorious series since the trophy was won back.Thomas wrote:I think any drawn series where you get to walk away with the trophy is glorious. English cricket fans probably feel the same way.Shrekles wrote:A drawn series probably does seem like Bledisloe glory after all these years, huh?Thomas wrote:Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
Of course, Nobody kicked Australia to Bledisloe Cup glory in the next match so the loss didn't hurt that badly.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Was played in semi amateur era and the athleticism was lacking tbh.Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Likewise, I was in a pub in southwest Ireland watching it back. That era of bledisloe games were great. Shame what has happened to Australia rugby.kiap wrote:ThisThomas wrote:Yep.Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
This match.
NZ 24-0 after 7 minutes! Australia ahead at halftime and then leading with minutes to go only for Lomu to stroll over. 100K people. I remember watching it in a pub and some kiwis came over and sat with us and we all just shook our heads and smiled. We knew we'd witnessed greatness.
Of course, Nobody kicked Australia to Bledisloe Cup glory in the next match so the loss didn't hurt that badly.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
The Tri-Nations game at Ellis Park where Habana scorched us early but went off and Barrett finished it is my favourite of recent years.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
That's brought back memories of me aiming a long stream of swear words at Percy when he dropped that ball and missed the markClogs wrote:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-t0PcxxXAY
And I was at that game. That finish still gives me wood.

The 90s and early 2000s were rugby's golden era in my opinion. Nowhere near as entertaining now.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
He could be right you knowiarmhiman wrote:That's easy.
Wembley 1999 Wales v England is the greatest test match.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
I was there too. Magic night.Clogs wrote:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-t0PcxxXAY
And I was at that game. That finish still gives me wood.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
I was thinking of this one as well. 2013 RC decider. Intensity from both sides was off the planet. Not sure if this is also the game that Barrett ran down Willie Le Roux and managed to tap him over the line to prevent a try.RuggaBugga wrote:The Tri-Nations game at Ellis Park where Habana scorched us early but went off and Barrett finished it is my favourite of recent years.
Reminds me of the 1997 Ellis park test when Bunce led a comeback after Boks got out to an early lead. De Beer missed the kick at the end to draw it 35-all.
The 2000 Bled is always in the conversation though.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Scotland v England at Twickenham last year has to be a contender, surely, if only for sheer drama!
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
The 1996 Boks vs ABs at Loftus.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
What about Wales v Samoa at RWC 1991?
I think that game made as much of a mark in the history of rugby as any.
I think that game made as much of a mark in the history of rugby as any.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Please remember that this is Greatest test match ever, not Grinding win by my dour team against a more fancied opponent.
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Re: Greatest test match ever?
Peaches wrote:Was played in semi amateur era and the athleticism was lacking tbh.Lacrobat wrote:Is isolation giving everyone amnesia? The game from heaven was the 2000 Tri-Nations match between NZ and Australia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfkCftBurQ
The biggest crowd (100,000+) in history, some of the greatest players from either country on display, fantastic try scoring, nail-biting down to the wire outcome. What's not to love?
Listen kid, the game was way professional then, when you get 100,000 at a test match and NPC games are getting 30,000 there is a lot more money around. NZ had more professional players then than there are today.
And Lomu and Cullen were more athletic than anything players are dealing with today. We may not have seen as fast a prop as Kees Meuws since then as well.
Re: Greatest test match ever?
Good choice. Has to be in the short list discussion.CrazyIslander wrote:The 1996 Boks vs ABs at Loftus.