Publication:Navy Annual 2005/HMAS Anzac Supports the Wallabies in South Africa
BY LIEUTENANT RACHEL IRVING RANR
In a dream weekend for HMAS Anzac's devoted rugby fans, ship's company got a chance to get up close and personal with their idols when the Wallabies came to dinner in South Africa in July 2005.
On July 25, captain of the Australian Wallabies team, George Gregan, and his fellow players, coaches and management staff joined HMAS Anzac in Simon's Town when the frigate was in port as part of her global deployment.
The ship's company was treated to a night of mingling with the Wallabies, and the flight deck transformed into an Aussie backyard, complete with barbecue and band.
The Wallabies were of course in South Africa for the start of the Tri-Nations series. Taking pride of place in the wardroom on the evening was the Tri-Nations Cup, a popular spot for photos amongst the crew and even with the team.
Gregan was asked at one stage if he would hold the Cup for a photo, to which he cheekily replied, "I would love to hold the Cup for a while."
The Wallabies presented the Ship's company with a signed jersey which will take pride of place in the junior sailors' sports cafe While the Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac, CAPT Richard Menhinick, CSC, RAN, and the ship's company were all thrilled to host the team, the Wallabies were also pleased to be on board.
"It's great to know that we have a group of supporters here in South Africa and wherever you sail," Gregan said. "It's great to be here tonight and we really appreciate you having us."
Two days earlier five lucky members of Anzac's crew flew to Johannesburg to see the Wallabies in action at Ellis Park against the Springboks for the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate. CMDR Liam Donley, RAN, CPO Jeremy Savage, Leading Seaman Aaron Wilesmith, AB Andrew Hansch and AB Brett Fisher joined AB Tracy Burke at the game for a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Able Seaman Burke sang the Australian National Anthem at the game to the roaring appreciation of the thousands of spectators and an international audience, flanked by Chief Petty Officer Savage and Leading Seaman Wilesmith. Commander Donley described the experience as 'unbelievable'.
"My lasting memory of the game was looking around and just seeing green jerseys everywhere," he recalled. "It was almost frightening being among more than 60,000 Springbok fans, particularly after the home side scored the first two tries." After the game, CMDR Donley seized the opportunity to shore up an affiliation between the Anzac Rugby Club - the Diggers - and the newly formed Western Force Super 14 Club after a chance meeting with Western Force coach John Mitchell.
While the final result of the game was not what the Australians were after the atmosphere and experience was something to savour.
