As we gear up for the Rugby World Cup final this weekend, I thought it would be fun to reflect on some great Anzac sporting encounters this year.
The year started off with the terrific Cricket World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. What a tournament it was.
The highlight for many was the epic semi-final at Eden Park with South African-born Kiwi batsman Grant Elliot hitting Dale Steyn out of the park to secure a maiden final appearance.
Unfortunately the final was a bit of a damp squib; Mitchell Starc dismissing the electric Brendon McCullum in the first over pretty much decided the outcome there and then.
The Anzac rugby league Test match was postponed for the first time ever due to a monsoon in Brisbane, and the rescheduled game saw the Kiwis prove to be too good.
The Boomers saw off the Tall Blacks in a hoops showdown in Melbourne. These two teams always play tough and generally it’s a close game.
Australia hosted a successful Netball World Cup, and the two Tasman powerhouses, as expected, met in the final. The Diamonds prevailed in a close, tense game against the Silver Ferns. It was great to see the camaraderie shown by both teams post game.
The Bledisloe Cup two-game series saw the Wallabies hang on for a deserved win in Sydney, only to be thumped the following week in Auckland. We now have a Bledisloe decider at Twickenham!
The final this weekend features the mighty All Blacks against the courageous Wallabies. Big brother versus little brother, David versus Goliath if you will. Both teams will be making their fourth final appearance, the victor to be crowned a winner for an unprecedented three times.
While this is going on, the netball girls are at it again across the creek. The four-game Constellation Cup is currently taking place.
If that isn’t enough, the Black Caps are on terra firma for the much anticipated cricket tour. The first ever day-night Test match will take place at the Adelaide Oval. The Black Caps will give the Aussies a real run for their money.
There you have it, a feast of sport between both countries, I may have left out other encounters, feel free to throw them into the mix.
What a year of sporting contests for the Anzacs!
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