UK Secures 3rd Place with 24-12 Victory Over New Zealand at IDRC 2023

UKAF - 24 New Zealand Defence Force - 12

In a thrilling contest at Vannes’ Stade de la Rabine, the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF) Rugby Team clinched third place in the International Defence Rugby Competition 2023 by defeating New Zealand 24-12. The match started frantically, with both sides showing early nerves and discipline wobbling. This was particularly a focus for the UKAF team, who had suffered from discipline issues at the breakdown in their semi-final loss to Fiji.

Despite a scrappy opening, the UK drew first blood when Jamie Roberts went over the line following a driving maul. Mark Williams added the extras, setting a 7-0 lead for the UK. Joe Parkin extended this lead with another try, which was once again converted by Williams. Although Parkin had to leave the field due to a knee injury, the UK looked in control. New Zealand managed to get on the scoreboard late in the first half, making it 17-7 at the break.

New Zealand came out swinging in the second half, quickly putting up an unconverted try to narrow the UK’s lead to 17-12. But handling errors and penalties haunted both teams, making for a tense affair. The UK regained their composure midway through the half, with Cam McDonald touching down for a try, once again converted by Williams, stretching their lead to 24-12.

What stood out for the UK was the blend of playing styles from the three different services that make up the UKAF team. This synergy allowed them to consistently apply pressure and control various phases of the game. Meanwhile, New Zealand showed resilience, especially in the second half, but ultimately couldn’t break down the UK’s disciplined defense and lineout strategy.

As the clock ticked down, both sides had their moments but it was the UK who held firm to close out a 24-12 win, securing third place in the tournament. The match was a fitting end to a campaign for both teams, full of highs and lows, and will surely serve as a significant chapter in the storied rivalry between these two rugby-loving nations.

Lt Cdr Jim Gallagher