Royal Australian Air Force storms to victory over Kiwi rivals in opening Tri Nations clash

The Royal New Zealand Air Force were well-beaten by the Royal Australian Air Force in the opening game in the Tri Nations Rugby League Tournament, which will also feature the Royal Air Force.

Reigniting a long-standing rivalry, the opening clash between the RNZAF and the RAAF was set up to be a feisty encounter - with the New Zealand side performing a traditional Haka to set the tone ahead of the match. 

The Australian side struck first, with their second row Izak Ford diving over for the opening try.

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The RNZAF were awarded a penalty after a knock-on from the Australian side, with full back Cameron Handsford converting to get two points on the board. 

The RAAF's response was instantaneous, with right centre Jeremy Lingen collecting an offload from teammate Kiel Edwards to dive over for another try. 

It wasn't long before the RAAF followed up with Izak Ford breaking through for a spectacular run to the try line, building a healthy cushion of 18-2 as half-time neared. 

The New Zealand side had so far been unable to find an answer to their soaring RAAF opponents, and things did not get better when foul play on their part saw the Australians awarded a penalty, to which their skipper Tim Crellin converted to put them up 20-2 at half-time. 

The New Zealand side returned in the second half with a new game plan, and that plan paid off when their left centre Dougie Thomson dotted down to score their first try of the game. 

But the Australians were quick to reorganise after the Kiwi try, as Jimmy Croydon broke through the Kiwi defence and went over. 

Moments later, the Australians were on the march again with Keil Edwards pushing through the Kiwi defence to get over the try line – putting them at an unassailable 32-6 lead with the clock ticking down to full-time. 

The RNZAF did manage a consolation try thanks to substitute Jack Corkery, but by this point it was too late for the Kiwi side to mount a comeback.

At full-time, the RAAF won the bragging rights to take the first win of the tournament with a score of 32-12. 

For the RNZAF, their loss means that they will face their British counterparts, the RAF, on Saturday 19 July, which you can watch live on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel.