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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.
Origins
The Bundaberg Rum Test Match 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 Bundaberg Rum Test was controversial when conceived for its use of the term Anzac 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". *
The word Anzac is protected in Australia and requires permission of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs for use in commercial events. Permission was given to the ARL for a period which has now expired and the match has been named after its sponsor, Bundaberg Rum. All official ARL publicity refers to the Bundaberg Rum Test. Needless to say, media outlets either because it was originally named the Anzac Test or because Australia and New Zealand are competing sometimes still describe the game as the Anzac Test.
Trophy
The winner of the Bundaberg Rum Test is awarded the Bill Kelly Memorial Trophy. The trophy was briefly stolen by a New Zealand fan after the 2006 ANZAC Test, but was recovered shortly after.*
Results
| Date | Result | Stadium | City | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 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 |
Trivia
- The home team has never lost a Bundaberg Rum Test.
- Only one Bundaberg Rum Test has actually been played on Anzac Day.
See also
"ANZAC Test"