Although the primary purpose of the visit of the RNRU to South Africa was to compete in the Commonwealth Cup there was always an aspiration to attempt to do more to support the development of rugby in general. With the support of the public, through the 'Kit for Kids Appeal' and a generous donation from the specialist rugby clothing company KooGa, it was possible to deliver in excess of 500 rugby shirts to be used by the schools in one of the poorest regions of the country. The shirts were presented to the Head of School Sports Development for the region during a visit to the Township of Khayelitsha, which means 'new home' by the First Sea Lord and President of the RNRU Admiral Sir Jonat...
All of the best players from the Commonwealth Cup Competition came together as the Naval Barbarians to face a strong team from the region which included players from several of the Western Province clubs. The fixture had been sponsored by Babcocks and all of the Barbarians were immensely proud to wear the coveted and unique shirts provided for the occasion. The game was champagne rugby at its best with both teams playing a fast flowing game and a fitting spectacle for the large and knowledgeable crowd. It true Barbarians style the option to kick penalties for points was not taken and 'run it' was always the prevailing tactic. With only 13 minutes played the score was 12-0 to the Baa Baas...
At the start of the day it was simple all that needed to happen, for the RN to retain the Commonwealth Cup, was for the Australians to beat the New Zealand Navy without allowing the Kiwis to get a bonus point and the RN to beat the South African Navy and score 4 tries in the process. Well beyond all expectation the ANZAC rivalry worked entirely to the benefit of the RN. By half time the Kiwis had scored 2 unconverted tries with the Aussies only having a penalty to show for their efforts. The second half was a different story with 15 points scored by the Australians in a dramatic and exciting fight back. With one of the 2 tries scored converted and a penalty kicked the Royal Australian Na...
The points system utilised for the Tournament is as follows: Points System Points Allocation Win 4 Win with 4 Tries 5 Draw 2 Draw with 4 Tries 3 Loss 0 Loss within 7 points 1 Loss within 7 points and 4 Tries 2 In the event of 2 teams finishing with the same amount of points the following criteria will come into effect: 1.Most tries scored in Tournament. 2.Largest margin between overall points for and against. With one game to go the points standing is as follows: Royal New Zealand Navy 9 points Royal Navy 5 points South African Navy 5 points Royal Australian Navy 0 points It is still possible for the RN to win the Tournament but it will take a win with 4 tries the Kiwis to loose. The tim...
The New Zealand Navy players were fired up as they approached the pitch for the encounter against the RN team. They had just received some words of wisdom in the dressing room from Wayne 'Buck' Shelford the ex All Black Captain and as the National Anthems finished they moved into position to face the RN team and lay down the gauntlet by performing the Haka. A prelude for battle and as the game started it was clear that it was exactly what they had in mind. Although the wind was once more in the faces of the RN team for the first half it wasn't anywhere near as strong as the previous encounter but this time the heat would certainly play a factor. The initial exchanges were nothing short o...
