Police v All Blacks - a “magnificent experience”

It's not everyday you get the call up to provide on-field opposition to the All Blacks.

But for the Police national rugby team, the chance to take on the men in black proved to be a memorable day in the history of Police sport.

The team was invited to provide the human element in an 'opposed training' game against the All Blacks as part of their pre Rugby World Cup preparations.

In a hard-fought, bruising encounter, the All Blacks showed just how tough, fit and prepared they are - in every position.

All Black coach Graham Henry thanked Police for putting their “bodies on the line” and assisting with the team’s build up prior to leaving for France.

The final score was deemed irrelevant by the Police side, although there was consensus it should be published as 25 - nil to the All Blacks.

In post match media commentary, Police Rugby Captain, Detective Reece Sirl said the game “was a magnificent experience”.

“Our guys showed heaps of ticker, and if you want to talk about better work stories, you don’t get much better than that.”

NZ Police Rugby Captain, Detective Reece Sirl, takes to the
air against Rodney So’oialo during the ‘opposed training’
game in Christchurch on 8 August.