A late second-half try helped the ADF snatch a 22-18 victory from their New Zealand Defence Force rivals during the annual Anzac Day clash at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Australia were tested early by the Kiwis’ big fast-moving forward pack but were first to strike in the sixth minute with a try by team captain Able Seaman Connor McCabe.
Debutant Leading Aircraftman Dan Nolan showed why he is going to be a permanent team fixture, with fast, hard runs through the middle and numerous offloads throughout the first half.
Aussie Hooker Sergeant Joel Munro crossed the line for the second try, taking the score to 12-0 and was later named man of the match for his inspiring ability to play through injury.
“Playing with an injured arm was testing as hooker. Having the boys’ support and all the adrenaline really helped,” he said.
“I was pretty shocked at the end of the game when I was named man of the match. I wasn’t really expecting it. I was just happy to come away with the win.”
The Kiwis crossed late in the first half but a failed conversion meant the teams headed into the sheds at 12-4.
A late first-half send-off of Private Sam Collins allowed the Kiwis to capitalise on the extra-man advantage to score two tries early in the second half.
With the Kiwis ahead 14-12 it was up to hard-charging forward and team captain Able Seaman McCabe to grasp back the lead with a try under the sticks.
Another try in the corner to winger Corporal Barry Ruttley stretched the Aussies’ lead to 22-14 despite a failed conversion attempt.
The Kiwis struck back with the final try of the game in the 63rd minute when fullback Kaleb Harema scored off a set play, leaving the final score 22-18.
Able Seaman McCabe said that after a short camp the team was happy with the final result, and it was good to have a close match against the Kiwis.
“I tried really hard as captain to just lead the boys through example, running as hard as I could through the middle, and I was pretty stoked I got two tries,” Able Seaman McCabe said.
The ADF Rugby League team is comprised of personnel selected after being identified by coaching staff at the interservice carnival.
