Monday Bunker: Credibility of Denver Test under fire following star Kiwi withdrawals
THE withdrawals of several Warriors stars from the New Zealand v England clash to be played in Denver once again put the focus on club v country. The Monday Bunker panel fire up over the issue.
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A MICKEY Mouse clash or a proud opportunity to represent your nation?
The withdrawals of several New Zealand Warriors stars from the inaugural Denver Test has brought the credibility of the game under scrutiny.
Speaking on Monday Bunker, Daily Telegraph reporters Paul Crawley and Dean Ritchie had strongly contrasting views on the matter.
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Ritchie was completely against the idea of the meaningless Test, declaring the clubs have the right to pull their players from the clash.
“I couldn’t give two hoots about some dicky game in Denver. Imagine if South Sydney lost two of their players, do you think their fans are going to be happy?” Ritchie said.
Crawley had a different perspective, believing that any Test match jumper should be respected regardless of the occasion.
“Test football should be the pinnacle. At the end of the day, a Test match is a Test match. If it’s on the calendar you put your best side out there,” Crawley said.