The ACT and SNSW Griffins have claimed the men's competition at 2022 Australian Rugby Shield, holding on for a 34-31 win over the NSW Cockatoos.
The competition brought teams from across the country together for the five-day event, held at Woodville and Brighton Rugby Clubs in South Australia.
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Both teams cruised through the group stages, with the Griffins accounting for Victoria, South Australia, and Perth whilst the Cockatoos thumped Tasmania before comfortable wins over Queensland sides Country Heelers and Outback Barbarians.
The Griffins instantly started strong, taking a 15-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes of the final after tries to James Douglas and Junior Taia.
Whilst the Cockatoos hit back with a pair of tries, the ACT and SNSW responded with tries of their own on either side of the break to restore their lead.
However, the NSW side refused to give up and three quick tries in the second half found them in front 31-27 with 20 minutes to go.
The class of the Griffins shone through as a try to number eight Sila Tituti in the 64th minute put them in front.
The Cockatoos had a kick to take it to extra-time after the siren, however, Adam Danckert's effort faded to the left as the Griffins held on in thrilling scenes.
In the women's competition, the Victorian women's side proved too strong as they defeated NSW Country Corellas 24-15 in the final.
It was a tense first half as both defences took centre stage before the Victorians scored the first points in the 32nd minute through Iron Talia.
Both teams traded tries after the break as the Corellas looked to stay in the contest.
With the game in the balance, two tries in four minutes pushed the Victorians cleared as Shaye-Moana Whareaorere crossed, shortly followed by Harmony Vatau-Tuai.
A yellow card to Victoria scrumhalf Jessica Campbell gave NSW Country a chance to strike as Georgie Ball dived over.
However, the Victorians held on in the final quarter to claim the win and the title.
