The Centenary of ANZAC Day is upon us. In Australia, we tend to celebrate our sporting success against other nations; it’s a part of our national persona that comes into sharp focus on a weekend such as this. While we will certainly spend a moment in silence marking the passing of those who fought for our shores, the roar of a passionate sporting contest will soon follow.
In Canberra, we have two great games to get behind this weekend.
Brumbies v Otago Highlanders
On Friday night, The Brumbies take on The Highlanders in a clash that – following last week’s shock loss to The Rebels – looks far more crucial to their Super XV fortunes. The great news is that we again get to play a New Zealand team on the ANZAC weekend, which brings to the surface all of those conflicting emotions of love and hate to the surface.
Last year, against The Chiefs, the International Rugby board denied the teams the chance to sing the national anthems to mark and respect the importance of the day. That didn’t stop the crowd, who sang Advance Australia Fair anyway…
The interesting news is that The Brumbies bench is looking as less dire as it did this time last week. While fans will welcome back Tevita Kuridrani, it still looks unlikely that Nic White will take to the field after injuring his ankle.
Still, it’s an important match for the local boys, and a great way to kick off a weekend we’re we observe the alliance between Australia and New Zealand.
Click here to grab your tickets!
GWS Giants v Gold Coast Suns
Aussie Rules is our indigenous game. Rather than descending from the Brits (who landed the original ANZACs upon the rockiest of shores), Australian Rules is undeniably ours. Stories of Australians kicking a football in front of the pyramids of Egypt have cemented the game in our WWI memories forevermore.
The AFL treats their ANZAC Round with great respect, and large donations at the weekend’s matches make their way to the coffers of the RSL. As part of this, Canberra plays host to the GWS Giants as they take on the Gold Coast Suns at 4.40pm this Saturday afternoon.
It has the makings of a fascinating contest, with The Giants having won their first two matches, and really taking it to The Swans last weekend. If only they had kicked straight, GWS might have collected the four points.
Gary Ablett Jnr is still out, so that already puts GWS a couple of goals ahead (at least). Those who have followed the fortunes of the GWS Giants since they entered the league will know that Manuka was the place of they’re first-ever victory. Can you remember whom they beat?
That’s right, the Gold Coast Suns.
Mak sure you don’t miss out on the big game. No one does ANZAC Day better than the AFL, and it will mark a great way to spend your Saturday evening. Kick some of your spare change in the tin and cheer hard for The Giants!
