6 November 2007

The future looks all black for Whiskey Company executive officer, Anika Tiplady.

The Linton-based Lieutenant was recently named in the Black Ferns rugby squad to face the Australian Wallaroos in a two-test series in October.

“I grew up with sport my whole life and I generally try to give everything a go – I have my father to blame for that,” the new Black Fern says half-jokingly.

But as a former Canterbury and NZ age-group soccer representative as well as current Manawatu touch rep, the 27-year-old obviously has talent to burn.

Lt Tiplady started playing rugby eight years ago whilst studying for a BSc at Otago University as part of the Officer Cadet Scheme.

Upon graduation and following an intensive three-year stint as Platoon Commander at 1 RNZIR, the former Riccarton High student caught the OE bug and headed to Europe.

In-between jaunts across the continent, LT Tiplady also fitted in a season with English club-side Richmond.

“I loved playing in England. I found the English players are a lot different to the Kiwi girls in that they are really good at what they do, for things like scrummaging and lifting, but they are a lot more one dimensional. The Kiwi game is far more versatile. I mean we have hookers that can throw 20m spiral passes and locks that can step and fend.”

Returning to home soil and a change in strip to the club colours of Linton and the green and white hoops of Manawatu, it was LT Tiplady’s own versatility as a player that made an impact on the Ferns selectors.

“I play fullback for Manawatu and I can cover for first-five but I played half a game at second-five during the NPC and luckily made an impression on the Ferns coach as he’s keen to get me in at second-five.”

Sure enough, LT Tiplady debuted at No. 12 in the opening test against the Wallaroos in Wanganui.

LT Tiplady’s selection is among ten other rookies pulled into the team as the Black Ferns rebuild toward the next World Cup under new coach and former NZ Maori representative, Dale Atkins.

The selection came at a busy time for the former Cantabrian: Whiskey Company have just completed Wolf II exercises whilst LT Tiplady herself is currently in the middle of the Grade Three staff and tactics course.

“It’s been tough but the chief instructor and staff are making life easier, making it achievable to play and are helping me catch up with stuff I missed last year,” LT Tiplady says.

And whilst there might seem to be a few parallels between training as a Captain, learning tactics and playing footy, LT Tiplady says the work-life balance isn’t always an easy one.

“As an officer and a leader you need to really commit yourself to your job so it’s very much a balancing act".

“Over the last few years I’ve found it difficult at times because, although the Army is flexible, I don’t want to take advantage of the flexibility they offer you. Obviously I want to be the best officer I can be, but when you get opportunities like playing for the Black Ferns and things like that there’s really no question. So I think I am very lucky in that I do get opportunities to play sport as often as I do.”

Looking to the future, LT Tiplady says cementing her spot in the World Cup squad of twenty-two is very much a goal as well as accommodating upcoming changes in her Army career.

“Next year I’m being posted into the recruiting role in Christchurch and I’m looking forward to that job. It’s definitely a change of pace and will be something different but I think I will enjoy the new challenge.”

LT Tiplady also says she would like to deploy in the future should she get the chance as she would love the opportunity to serve overseas.

Match results for the Laurie O’Reilly trophy
Black Ferns v Australian Wallaroos:

First Test (16 Oct - Wanganui)
Scorers
Black Ferns 21. Tries: Carla Hohepa (2) and Fa’anati Aniseko. Penalties: Emma Jensen (2)
Wallaroos 10. Try: Tegan French. Conversion: Alana Thomas. Penalty: Thomas
Halftime: 8 – 7.

Second Test (20 Oct - Porirua)
Scorers
New Zealand 29. Tries: Carla Hohepa (3), Victoria Blackledge, Linda Itunu. Conversions: Emma Jensen, Claire Richardson.
Australia 12. Tries: Tobie McGann, Silei Poluleuligiga. Conversion: Alana Thomas.
Halftime: 17 – 5.

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