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NZDF WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM BEAT POLICE AT WAITAKERE The NZDF women’s rugby team showed no signs of limited preparation going into their only game of the season, overwhelming NZ Police 80–0 at Waitakere in November. During a year in which many activities have been cancelled, including sport, with the focus on protecting our force and everyone in New Zealand, the team had come together only days before the match. Some players had come from recent deployment working in managed isolation facilities, one other had recently been in managed isolation after returning from deployment overseas, while others had come off ships and camps and bases around the country. It didn’t matter, as the team ran rampant against the overmatched Police line-up. The match was the first for the NZDF women in their build-up to the inaugural women’s International Defence Rugby Championship (IDRC) next year. The IDRC will be played in conjunction with the women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2021, which is being hosted by New Zealand Rugby. It is only the second 15-a-side match played by the NZDF women – the first was a memorable 41–0 win over Australian Defence Force last year. This means that after two games the team has scored 121 points and conceded zero. The match was a curtain-raiser to the women’s World Cup qualifier between Samoa and Tonga and the Black Ferns against NZ Barbarians. Player Sapper Krimson Pamata said before the game a training camp was held, starting off with an early morning bronco fitness test. “Two trainings followed, which covered everything from the basics of catching, passing, and going into contact, to the dynamics of our game plan and the importance of each individual role on the field. As one of the rookies in the Defence Ferns, it was awesome to be a part of a team with so much knowledge of the game, and to be in an environment that made it easy to learn and grow as a rugby player. As we started getting closer to game day, the final touches and minor adjustments were made.”
She said on game day the women looked sharp. “There was plenty of action to be seen, with tries being scored off of some hard fought phases and turnovers. Not to mention all the amazing conversions. Right from kick off to the 80th minute, the women played an outstanding game of rugby. It was beautiful to watch from the sideline and it was even better being in and amongst the play. “The culture within the Defence Ferns is second to none. This made it hard to leave everyone at the end of such an amazing week. The friendships made will definitely remain throughout the rest of our careers. During the week we were also lucky enough to be a part of the “Sunday Blessings”, where we helped feed some of the un-homed and less fortunate people in the community. This was an opportunity for us to give back and learn about other people’s lives and their stories. This gave us a great appreciation for all the things we have in our lives and brought us closer as a team. “The team would like to extend a big thankyou to Defence Ferns sponsors Hirtenberger and Scott Muirson Property. Without them none of this would be possible.” Jumper ALSS Anita Berry (Navy) soars high, lifted by CPL Bridget Lake (Army, 17), with ENS Kate Williams (Navy, 7) in support.
CPL Crystal Mayes (Army) makes a break.
The haka led by SPR Ngakita Beazley-Ruwhiu (far right) and ALSS Anita Berry (Navy) centre.
Prop CPL Bridget Lake (Army) leads the front row into a scrum.
LCPL Charlie Hunt on the charge.
