2016 Anzac Test

The 2016 Anzac Test (known as the Downer Anzac Test due to sponsorship) was a rugby league test match played between Australia and New Zealand at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle.[1] It was the 17th Anzac Test played between the two nations since the first was played under the Super League banner in 1997.

2016 (2016) Anzac Test  ()
Logo of the 2016 Anzac Test
12Total
AUS 10616
NZL 000
Date6 May 2016
StadiumHunter Stadium
LocationNewcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Charles Savory Medal Paul Gallen
RefereeAustralia Gerard Sutton
Attendance27,724
Broadcast partners
Broadcasters
Commentators
← 2015
2017 →

The game marked the international coaching debut of Mal Meninga for Australia since taking over the position from Tim Sheens in late 2015. Meninga, a 4 time Kangaroo Tourist (the only player ever to do so), a World Cup winning captain and a veteran of 46 tests for Australia between 1982–94, has previously coached Queensland to 9 State of Origin series wins in 10 years (including a record 8 series wins in succession from 2006-2013) in the years prior to taking over as Kangaroos coach.

This was the first of two matches between Australia and New Zealand before the 2016 Rugby League Four Nations in late October and November. The second match will be played at the nib Stadium in Perth, Western Australia on 15 October.

Meninga broke tradition and named the Australian team a few days early, which included 4 debutants; Blake Ferguson, Josh McGuire, Michael Morgan and Fijian-born Semi Radradra.[2]

The New Zealand team was named on 1 May.[3]

Pre-game

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National anthems

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  • Russ Walker - New Zealand National Anthem
  • Adrian Li Donni - Australian National Anthem

Squads

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AustraliaPositionNew Zealand
Darius BoydFullbackJordan Kahu
Semi RadradraWingJason Nightingale
Greg InglisCentreTohu Harris2
Josh DuganCentreGerard Beale1
Blake FergusonWingDallin Watene-Zelezniak
Johnathan ThurstonFive-EighthKodi Nikorima
Cooper CronkHalfbackShaun Johnson
Matt ScottPropJesse Bromwich (c)
Cameron Smith (c)HookerLewis Brown
Paul GallenPropAdam Blair
Josh Papalii2nd RowKevin Proctor
Matt Gillett2nd RowManu Ma'u
Corey ParkerLockJason Taumalolo
Josh McGuireInterchangeGreg Eastwood
Michael MorganInterchangeMartin Taupau
James TamouInterchangeSam Moa
Sam ThaidayInterchangeKenny Bromwich
Mal MeningaCoachStephen Kearney

1 - Peta Hiku was originally selected to play but withdrew due to injury. He was replaced by Gerard Beale.
2 - Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Brad Takairangi were originally selected to play but both players withdrew. Tohu Harris was shifted from five-eighth to centre and Kodi Nikorima was shifted from the bench to five-eighth as a result.

Match summary

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6 May 2016
8.05pm (AEST)
Australia  16–0  New Zealand
Tries:
Boyd (14') 1
Inglis (32') 1
Ferguson (80') 1
Goals:
Thurston 1/3
(20' pen)
Smith 1/2
(44' pen)
Sin Bin:
Radradra 1
(6')
[4]
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Attendance: 27,724
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Player of the Match: Paul Gallen

Notes:


Women's Test

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2016 (2016) Women's Anzac Test  ()
12Total
AUS 61016
NZL 121426
Date6 May 2016
StadiumHunter Stadium
LocationNewcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Broadcast partners
Broadcasters
Commentators
← 2015
2017 →

A Women's rugby league match between the Australian Jillaroos and New Zealand Kiwi Ferns will serve as the curtain-raiser for the main game.

New Zealand coach Alan Jackson named an 18-strong squad in preparation for the Trans-Tasman Test.[6]

A few days later, Australian coach Steve Folkes announced his 18-strong squad for the Trans-Tasman Test.[7]

Women's squads

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AustraliaPositionNew Zealand
Samantha BremnerFullbackSarina Fiso (c)
Chelsea BakerWingLanulangi Veaimu
Corban McGregorCentreMaitua Feterika
Annette BranderCentreVa'anessa Molia-Fraser
Karina BrownWingAtawhai Tupaea
Allana FergusonFive-EighthGeorgia Hale
Maddie StuddonHalfbackKristina Sue
Simaima TaufaPropLilietta Maumau
Brittany BreayleyHookerKrystal Rota
Heather BallingerPropKelly Maipi
Kezie Apps2nd RowTeuila Fotu-Moala
Vanessa Foliaki2nd RowAnnetta Nu'uausala
Ruan Sims (c)LockNora Maaka
Libby Cook-BlackInterchangeAmber Kani
Kody HouseInterchangeKahurangi Peters
Casey KarklisInterchangeKrystal Murray
Emma YoungInterchangeCharmaine McMenamin
Steve FolkesCoachAlan Jackson
Caitlyn Moran18th WomanMary-Jane Ale
  • The 18th woman is a cover for a possible injury or suspension and unless called up to the starting line-up or the bench, does not actually play.

Match summary

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6 May 2016
5.25pm (AEST)
Australia16 – 26New Zealand
Tries:
Brown (50', 78') 2
Bremner (24') 1
Goals:
Studdon 1 (pen)
Moran 1 (con)
[8]
Tries:
Tupaea 2 (11', 17')
Fiso 2 (45', 64')
Feterika 1 (33')
Rota 1 (68')
Goals:
Maaka 1 (con)
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Referee: Adam Cassidy


References

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