The ACT and SNSW Griffins have claimed the 2022 Men’s Australian Rugby Shield, holding on for a 34-31 win over the NSW Cockatoos.
The competition brought teams from across the country together for the five-day event, held at Woodville Rugby Club and Brighton Rugby Club in South Australia.
Both teams established cruised through the group stages, with the Griffins accounting for Victoria, South Australia, and Perth.
Meanwhile, the Cockatoos thumped Tasmania before comfortable wins over Queensland sides Country Heelers and Outback Barbarians.
The Griffins instantly started strong, taking a 15-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes of the final after tries to James Douglas and Junior Taia.
Whilst the Cockatoos hit back with a pair of tries, the ACT and SNSW responded with tries on either side of the break to restore their lead.
However, the NSW side refused to give up and three quick tries in the second half found them in front 31-27 with 20 minutes to go.
In the end, the class of the Griffins shone through as a try to number eight Sila Tituti in the 64th minute helped secure the title.
In the women’s competition, the Victorian women’s side proved too strong as they defeated NSW Country Corellas 24-15.
It was a tense first half as both defences took centre stage before the Victorians scored the first points in the 32nd minute through Iron Talia.
Both teams traded tries after the break as the Corellas looked to stay in the contest.
With the game in the balance, two tries in four minutes pushed the Victorians cleared as Shaye-Moana Whareaorere crossed, shortly followed by Harmony Vatau-Tuai.
A yellow card to Victoria scrumhalf Jessica Campbell produced NSW Country with a chance to strike as Georgie Ball dived over.
However, the Victorians held strong to claim the win and the title.
