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ANZAC Test
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bundaberg Rum Test (formerly known as the Anzac Test) is a rugby league test match played annually between Australia and New Zealand around Anzac Day.
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The first ANZAC Test, as it was initially known, was first organised in 1997 by the Australian Super League, and it continued on when the National Rugby League (NRL) was formed in 1998. When New Zealand was defeated 56-0 in 2000 the Australian Rugby League (ARL) was criticised for playing the match before the State of Origin series. The Bundaberg Rum Test was dropped from the annual schedule in favour of match in mid-July. In 2002 and 2003 Australia defeated Great Britain (64-10) and New Zealand (48-6) in July Test matches, so the Bundaberg Rum Test was revived the following year.
The ANZAC Test was controversial for its use of the term 'ANZAC' (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) and its comparison of professional sportsmen with soldiers. However Super League donated a large sum of money to the RSL, and Bruce Ruxton featured in commercials for the inaugural Anzac Test, proclaiming
- "Mark my words, Australia is still in grave danger from one of our so-called neighbours. The Kiwis were once our allies and now they’re on the other side - at least for 80 minutes". [1]
The word Anzac is protected in Australia by the The Protection of Word "Anzac" Regulations (under the War Precautions Act Repeal Act 1920) and requires permission of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs for use in commercial events.[2] This permission was given for the event from 1997-1999.[3] Since 2004 it has been officially called the Bundaberg Rum League Test, after the principal sponsor, Bundaberg Rum. Media outlets sometimes still describe the game using its original name.
Two different trophies have been awarded for the winner of this Test. For the 1997-1999 ANZAC Tests, the winner was awarded the ANZAC Trophy, which depicted an Australian slouch hat and New Zealand lemon squeezer hat.
Since 2004, the winner of the Bundaberg Rum League Test has been awarded the Bill Kelly Memorial Trophy (pictured here). This trophy was donated in 1996 by Gerald Ryan ONZM, a past president of the New Zealand Rugby League. It is named after Bill Kelly, a New Zealand Rugby League player in the early 20th century.
The Bill Kelly Memorial Trophy was briefly stolen by three 25 year old New Zealand men after Australia's victory in the 2006 Test. It was found several hours later on the awning of a nearby building.[4] The trophy currently resides at the Australian Rugby League headquarters in Sydney.
| Team | Wins |
|---|---|
 Australia1 |
6 |
 New Zealand |
1 |
- Includes the Australia (Super League) victory in 1997.
| Date | Result | Stadium | City | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 April 2007 | Australia v. New Zealand | Suncorp Stadium | Brisbane | |
| 5 May 2006 | Australia def. New Zealand 50-12 | Suncorp Stadium | Brisbane | 44,191 |
| 22 April 2005 | Australia def. New Zealand 32-16 | Suncorp Stadium | Brisbane | 40,317 |
| 23 April 2004 | Australia def. New Zealand 37-10 | EnergyAustralia Stadium | Newcastle | 21,537 |
| 21 April 2000 | Australia def. New Zealand 56-0 | Stadium Australia | Sydney | 26,023 |
| 23 April 1999 | Australia def. New Zealand 20-14 | Stadium Australia | Sydney | 30,245 |
| 24 April 1998 | New Zealand def. Australia 22-16 | North Harbour Stadium | Auckland | 25,000 |
| 25 April 1997 | Australia (Super League) def. New Zealand 34-22 | Sydney Football Stadium | Sydney | 23,829 |
- The home team has never lost.
- Only one ANZAC/Bundaberg Rum Test has actually been played on Anzac Day.
- "W(h)ither ANZAC Day? - The Legal Protection of ANZAC", Digger History website. Retrieved 27 July, 2006.
- "Fan Steals ANZAC Cup", Sydney Morning Herald website. Retrieved 27 July, 2006.
- "NZ League To Take Hard Line With NRL", xtraMSN website. Retrieved 27 July, 2006.
- "The Protection of National Icons", Advisory Council on Intellectual Property. Retrieved July 27, 2006.
- "Killing ANZAC", Digger History website. Retrieved July 27, 2006.
- "Reveller Slammed as Anzac Cup Goes Walkabout", nzherald.co.nz website. Retrieved 27 July, 2006.