Kiwis cane ADFA

Officer Cadet Stephen Wright delivers the ball from the back of an ADFA maul during a tour match of New Zealand by the ADFA rugby union team.

An ADFA rugby union team has been hardened up by a tour to New Zealand where the quality of the opposition was more than matched by the spectacular scenery.

Although ADFA won only one game, it wasn’t just the rugby that the players went to experience.

The spectacular countryside, wonderful hospitality and the culture were all well worth the pain that the New Zealanders inflicted on the team on the rugby field.

The difference in the military lifestyles was also evident when experiencing the Marae – a traditional Maori house similar to a church that is used as a meeting place.

One of the more memorable experiences for some was the snowfields in Waiouru.

Despite spending time skiing or snowboarding on them, the ADFA tourists found it sobering to think of the New Zealand recruits having to parade, dig in and sleep on them.

The rugby was tough, but the hosts were only too happy to shake hands and venture out on the town after the games.

Overall, whether it was the southern drawl of an experienced trout guide, the fact that every pub in New Zealand had a casino that consisted simply of poker machines, or comprehending that there is no such thing as social rugby in New Zealand, the experience broadened the cultural understanding with our eastern neighbours.

The experience also added to the understanding of the great bonds and relationships formed between Aussies and Kiwis and the enduring heritage of Anzac.

• OCDTs Emma Grigson
  and Glen Heidke
  

.