In a hard fought battle, across the ditch, the Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) have qualified for the final of the International Defence Rugby Competition after finishing strongly in their semi-final showdown with the Samoan Police.
The Aussies came up against a side of considerable size in the Samoan outfit and with just ten minutes remaining in the knock-out match, the two teams were level at 10 points a piece. However the speed and skill of the men from down under shone through and saw them add 13 points before the final whistle to round out the game 23-10 and secure a spot in Saturday’s final.
The British Army secured their spot in the decider after they came from behind to register a 17-13. It was tough going for the English who crossed for a five pointer with just 30 seconds left on the clock to set up an all-Pacific Bronze final and an all Colonial Final.
With London hosting both the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the second instalment of the International Defence Rugby Competition the British Team will be hoping to secure the inaugural trophy so as to defend their title on home soil in four years’ time.
The Australian’s won’t lie down without a fight however, with the side hoping to bring home the Gold less than 24 hours after the Wallabies step out against the Welsh for their Rugby World Cup Bronze Final on Friday evening.
Sat 22 Oct 11 Finals - Auckland University, Auckland
1300-1430 Bronze Medal Match: Tongan Services v Samoan Police
1500-1630 Grand Final: Australian Services v British Army