Rugby Union

Navy win Commonwealth Cup opener against New Zealand

The Royal Navy have made a winning start to their 2022 Commonwealth Cup campaign.

The tournament sees the Naval rugby union teams from Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand clash with the 2022 edition held in Plymouth.

In the opening match, the Royal Navy beat their counterparts from New Zealand by 26-12.

Before the action began, a minute's silence was held in tribute to the Queen, as well as a rendition of 'God Save The King'.

The Senior Service were quick to make an impact in the match and raced into a 22-0 lead.

While the Royal New Zealand Navy improved in the second half, it wasn't enough as they were beaten by 14 points.

If the Navy beat their Australian rivals on Friday in Plymouth, they will win the 2022 Commonwealth Cup.

Cover image: The Navy in white battle for points against the Royal New Zealand Navy. (Pictures: Alligin Photography)

Royal Navy players pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with a minute's silence in her honour CREDIT ALLIGIN PHOTOGRAPHY DATE 13092022.jpg — Royal Navy players pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with a minute's silence in her honour (Picture: Alligin Photography).

New Zealand treated everyone to their pre-match tradition 'The Haka' in Plymouth Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg — New Zealand treated everyone to their pre-match tradition 'The Haka' in Plymouth(Picture: Alligin Photography).

The Navy raced into a 22-0 lead as they stamped their mark on the match CREDIT Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg — The Navy raced into a 22-0 lead as they stamped their mark on the match (Picture: Alligin Photography).

Line out proved important on a rainy night at Brickfields. CREDIT ALLIGIN PHOTOGRAPHY DATE 13092022.jpg — Line-outs proved important on a rainy night at Brickfields (Picture: Alligin Photography).

The Navy's defence do everything they can to stop the New Zealand attacking onslaught. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg — The Navy's defence do everything they can to stop the New Zealand attacking onslaught (Picture: Alligin Photography).

Head to head the rivalry between the two teams has been renewed in the UK. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg — Head to head: the rivalry between the two teams has been renewed in the UK (Picture: Alligin Photography).

Despite a New Zealand fight back, the Navy held on to a 26-12 win. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg — Despite a New Zealand fight-back, the Navy held on to a 26-12 win (Picture: Alligin Photography).

As always with military sport, respect was shown between the two opponents at full time. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022 — As always with military sport, respect was shown between the two opponents at full-time (Picture: Alligin Photography).

The Navy can now win the 2022 Commonwealth Cup if they beat the Royal Australian Navy on Friday. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg — The Navy can now win the 2022 Commonwealth Cup if they beat the Royal Australian Navy on Friday (Picture: Alligin Photography).

Royal Navy players pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with a minute's silence in her honour CREDIT ALLIGIN PHOTOGRAPHY DATE 13092022.jpg

New Zealand treated everyone to their pre-match tradition 'The Haka' in Plymouth Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg

The Navy raced into a 22-0 lead as they stamped their mark on the match CREDIT Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg

Line out proved important on a rainy night at Brickfields. CREDIT ALLIGIN PHOTOGRAPHY DATE 13092022.jpg

The Navy's defence do everything they can to stop the New Zealand attacking onslaught. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg

Head to head the rivalry between the two teams has been renewed in the UK. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg

Despite a New Zealand fight back, the Navy held on to a 26-12 win. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg

As always with military sport, respect was shown between the two opponents at full time. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022

The Navy can now win the 2022 Commonwealth Cup if they beat the Royal Australian Navy on Friday. Credit Alligin Photography Date 13092022.jpg

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