The 2017 Anzac Test was an international rugby league match played between the Australian Kangaroos and the New Zealand Kiwis. It was held on 5 May 2017 as part of the annual Anzac Test series, which traditionally commemorates the Australia‑New Zealand Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) connection and is scheduled around Anzac Day.
Match details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 May 2017 |
| Venue | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Attendance | Approximately 30,000 spectators |
| Teams | Australia (Kangaroos) vs. New Zealand (Kiwis) |
| Result | Australia defeated New Zealand, 30 – 12 |
| Australian coach | Mal Meninga |
| New Zealand coach | David Kidwell |
| Broadcast | The match was televised live in Australia on Fox Sports and in New Zealand on Sky Sport. |
Context
- The 2017 fixture was the 18th edition of the Anzac Test, a series that began in 1997.
- The game served as a preparatory test for both nations ahead of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, which was later held in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and England.
- The match was notable for being the first Anzac Test played in Queensland since the series was revived in 2012.
Squads
Both teams selected squads comprising a mix of established internationals and emerging talent. Notable Australian players who participated included James Tedesco, Cooper Cronk, and Jason Taumalolo (who represented New Zealand). The New Zealand side featured players such as Roger Tuivasa‑Saulo and Shaun Johnson.
Result summary
Australia established an early lead and maintained control throughout the match, with scoring contributions from both backs and forwards. New Zealand managed two tries but were unable to close the margin.
Significance
The 2017 Anzac Test reinforced Australia's dominance in the rugby league rivalry with New Zealand at that time and provided both coaching staffs with valuable performance data ahead of the World Cup. It continued the tradition of using the Anzac Test as a showcase for high‑level international rugby league played close to the commemoration of Anzac Day.
