A rare and intriguing rugby experiment unfolded recently in Adelaide, bringing together players from Australia and New Zealand under a single banner. The combined ANZAC team faced the formidable touring British & Irish Lions in a highly anticipated match, marking the first such encounter since 1989. While the concept aimed to showcase talent and foster a unique trans-Tasman unity, the reality of the scoreboard delivered a starkly different message: a crushing 0-48 defeat at the hands of the Lions.
Despite the brutal scoreline, the man tasked with leading this unconventional squad, ANZAC Head Coach Les Kiss, remained remarkably composed in the aftermath. Kiss didn`t sugarcoat the result, acknowledging that the score “speaks for itself.” However, he quickly pivoted to the crucial factor he believes undermined the effort: preparation time. According to Kiss, had the team been afforded “three or four weeks” for a training camp, many of the errors that plagued their performance could have been avoided.
Crucially, Kiss firmly believes this unique initiative, assembling 17 current international players, deserves a future. “I am convinced that this project is worth continuing,” Kiss stated. “We have the quality of players – we just need to give them a chance [with adequate preparation].” His perspective highlights the inherent challenges of quickly integrating players from rival nations with distinct playing styles and systems.
Adding weight to Kiss`s plea was team captain David Havili. Despite the one-sided result, Havili highlighted a less visible but arguably more valuable outcome of the brief camp: the successful blending of Australian and New Zealand players. “I liked how the Australians and New Zealanders found common ground,” Havili commented, emphasizing the positive dynamic within the hastily assembled squad.
“Yes, the result didn`t go our way,” Havili conceded, “but we can be proud of the idea itself.” He echoed Kiss`s sentiment regarding the project`s potential longevity, expressing hope for a repeat of the experience when the Lions next tour New Zealand. This suggests a desire to build upon the initial attempt, learning from the difficulties encountered in Adelaide.
The match itself served not only as a test for the ANZAC concept but also as a formidable signal from the British & Irish Lions to the Wallabies, whom they will face later in their tour. The Lions` dominant performance showcased their cohesion and power, setting a high bar for the national teams in the region. While the ANZAC team`s debut was, shall we say, less than stellar on the scoreboard, the proponents argue that the value lies in the potential – a potential that can only be realised if the concept is given a proper chance to develop beyond a rushed, one-off fixture.
In the often pragmatic world of professional rugby, a 0-48 defeat is usually a death knell for any project. Yet, the voices from within the ANZAC setup advocate for resilience and a long-term perspective. The question remains whether rugby administrators will see past the immediate failure and invest the necessary time and resources into transforming a potentially exciting idea into a genuinely competitive force for future Lions tours.
Gareth Pendleton