South Island XV cops a hiding

South Island Police XV first five-eighth Carl Willocks, of Canterbury district, breaks through the tackle of Australian Police XV lock Cameron Treloar during a match at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the South Islanders leading 13-5 at the break, the Australians roared into life in the second half. Bolstered by their fitness and the presence of former Super Rugby and international players, the Australian Police scored 40 unanswered points to win 45-13.

Dunedin Police Rugby Club president Matt Scoles said he was pleased with the efforts of the locals, especially considering they had only practised as a squad for the first time the day before the match.

''They are a very, very fit side, obviously very talented and the fitness showed through when the game got a bit looser,'' he said. The Australians will play the New Zealand Police in Queenstown on Anzac Day.