1986 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France

Last updated • 16 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
1986 Kangaroos tour
Date12 October 1986 – 13 December 1986
ManagerGordon Treichel, John Fleming
Coach(es) Don Furner
Tour captain(s) Wally Lewis
Top point scorer(s) Michael O'Connor (170)
Top try scorer(s) Terry Lamb (19)
Summary
PWDL
Total
20 200000
Test match
05050000
Opponent
PWDL
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain
3 3 0 0
Flag of France.svg  France
2 2 0 0
Tour chronology
Previous tour 1982
Next tour 1990

The 1986 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France was the sixteenth Kangaroo tour in which the Australian national rugby league team (known as the Winfield Kangaroos due to sponsorship) plays a number of tour matches against British and French teams, in addition to the Test matches. The next Kangaroo tour was staged in 1990.

Contents

Australia continued its dominance, easily winning both Test series against Great Britain and France as well as defeating Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on the way to England, going through the entire tour undefeated in a repeat of the 1982 Invincibles' tour which saw the 1986 team became known as "The Unbeatables". In twenty matches they scored 136 tries and conceded only 16, posting 738 points for and 126 against. [1] Terry Lamb became the first player to appear in every match on a Kangaroo Tour.

The team was coached by 1956/57 Kangaroo tourist Don Furner, who also coached the Canberra Raiders in the NSWRL that year. The squad was captained by Queensland captain Wally Lewis, the first time a Queensland based player had captained a Kangaroo tour since Tom Gorman led the 1929–30 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain. Peter Sterling was named as the tour's vice-captain, while the tour managers were Gordon Treichel and John Fleming.

National Panasonic put up AU$5,000 worth of products for the Australian player who voted as player of the tour. Team sponsor Winfield also put up $1,000 for the Australian player judged the player of the match for each Test match played on the tour.

Squad

Of the 28 players selected to go on the tour 23 were from clubs of the New South Wales Rugby League and 5 were from clubs of the Brisbane Rugby League. This was the last time players from the Queensland-based competition were selected for a Kangaroo tour.

There were a couple of notable omissions from the touring team. Parramatta Eels test winger Eric Grothe had originally been selected in the side and even had pre-tour publicity photos taken with the rest of the team. However he was ruled out late with the recurrence of a knee injury and his place was taken by young Penrith halfback Greg Alexander. The other was regular Australian vice-captain Wayne Pearce who had ruptured his Anterior cruciate ligament during the 1986 Trans-Tasman Test series against New Zealand in July. Despite an intense rehabilitation program, and being passed as fit by his surgeon, Dr Merv Cross, Pearce was ruled out of the tour by team medico Dr Bill Monoghan after a pre-tour team physical conducted at Redfern Oval in Sydney.

Surprisingly, the 1986 NSWRL Winfield Cup premiers Parramatta only supplied two players to the Kangaroos squad (vice-captain Peter Sterling and Brett Kenny). Conversely, the 1986 Brisbane premiers Wynnum-Manly supplied four players to the squad (captain Wally Lewis, Greg Dowling, Bob Lindner and Gene Miles). With the exception of Dowling who did not play the pre-tour test against Papua New Guinea, all six 1986 premiership winners played in each test on the tour.

NOTE: Statistics only show games in Great Britain and France and do not include the test against Papua New Guinea. Sub total is included in full games total

PlayerClubPosition(s)Games (sub)Tests (sub)TriesGoalsPoints
Flag of New South Wales.svg Greg Alexander Penrith colours.svg Penrith Panthers Halfback , Wing 9 (1)-10550
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Gary Belcher Canberra colours.svg Canberra Raiders Fullback 10-6024
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Martin Bella North Sydney colours.svg North Sydney Bears Prop 8 (2)-104
Flag of New South Wales.svg Noel Cleal Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Second-row , Wing 723012
Flag of New South Wales.svg Phil Daley Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Prop 7-000
Flag of New South Wales.svg Les Davidson South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs Second-row , Prop 143 (2)000
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Greg Dowling Wynnum-Manly Colours.svg Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (Qld) Prop 115104
Flag of New South Wales.svg Paul Dunn Canterbury colours.svg Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Second-row , Prop 114000
Flag of New South Wales.svg Ben Elias Balmain colours.svg Balmain Tigers Hooker 10-3012
Flag of New South Wales.svg Steve Folkes Canterbury colours.svg Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Second-row 61104
Flag of New South Wales.svg Des Hasler Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Halfback 8-4016
Flag of New South Wales.svg Garry Jack Balmain colours.svg Balmain Tigers Fullback 12512048
Flag of New South Wales.svg Brett Kenny Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels Centre , Wing 1458032
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Les Kiss North Sydney colours.svg North Sydney Bears Wing 41104
Flag of New South Wales.svg Terry Lamb Canterbury colours.svg Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Five-eighth 205 (5)1920116
Flag of New South Wales.svg Paul Langmack Canterbury colours.svg Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Lock 10-3012
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Wally Lewis (c) Wynnum-Manly Colours.svg Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (Qld) Five-eighth 1156024
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Bob Lindner Wynnum-Manly Colours.svg Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (Qld) Lock 1056024
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Mal Meninga Canberra colours.svg Canberra Raiders Centre , Wing , Second-row 133 (2)9750
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Gene Miles Wynnum-Manly Colours.svg Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (Qld) Centre 1358032
Flag of New South Wales.svg Chris Mortimer Canterbury colours.svg Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Wing , Centre 9-4032
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Bryan Niebling Redcliffe colours.svg Redcliffe Dolphins (Qld) Prop , Second-row 105208
Flag of New South Wales.svg Michael O'Connor St. George colours.svg St George Dragons Wing 1451359170
Flag of New South Wales.svg Steve Roach Balmain colours.svg Balmain Tigers Prop 813012
Flag of Queensland (1901-1963).svg Dale Shearer Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Wing 13412048
Flag of New South Wales.svg Royce Simmons Penrith colours.svg Penrith Panthers Hooker 105104
Flag of New South Wales.svg Paul Sironen Balmain colours.svg Balmain Tigers Second-row 101000
Flag of New South Wales.svg Peter Sterling (vc) Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels Halfback 1053012

By Club

The touring side was represented by 18 New South Welshmen (N) and 10 Queenslanders (Q).

Papua New Guinea

Before flying to England, the Kangaroos played their second ever Test against Papua New Guinea at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby on 4 October. In front of 17,000 fans (still the record attendance for the venue as of 2024), the Wally Lewis led Kangaroos defeated the Kumuls 62–12. Canterbury-Bankstown forward Paul Dunn made his test debut in the 2nd row while easily the biggest player on tour, 195 cm (6 ft 5 in), 115 kg (18 st 2 lb) Balmain back rower Paul Sironen made his test debut off the bench. This was the first of three test matches on the tour that counted towards the ongoing 1985-1988 Rugby League World Cup

4 October 1986
Papua New Guinea  Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg12 – 62Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Tries:
Bal Numapo (2)








Goals:
Dairi Kovae (2/2)
[2]
Tries:
Noel Cleal (2)
Les Kiss (2)
Michael O'Connor (2)
Garry Jack
Des Hasler
Wally Lewis
Bob Lindner
Chris Mortimer
Steve Roach
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (7/12)
Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby
Attendance: 17,000
Referee: Neville Kesha Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg
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Australia
FB1 Dairi Kovae
RW2 Joe Katsir
RC3 Lauta Atoi
LC4 Bal Numapo
LW5 Mafu Kerekere
FE6 Daruis Haili
HB7 Tony Kila (c)
PR8 Joe Tep
HK9 Roy Heni
PR10 Ati Lomutopa
SR11 Bobby Ako
SR12 Bernard Waketsi
LK13 Arebo Taumaku
Substitutions:
IC14 Kepi Saea
IC15 Noah Andy
Coach:
Flag of New Zealand.svg Barry Wilson
FB1 Garry Jack
LW2 Michael O'Connor
RC3 Gene Miles
LC4 Chris Mortimer
RW5 Les Kiss
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Des Hasler
PR8 Steve Roach
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Bryan Niebling
SR11 Paul Dunn
SR12 Noel Cleal
LF13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Mal Meninga
IC15 Paul Sironen
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

Great Britain

The Kangaroos played 13 games in England, including the three Ashes tests against Great Britain. Australia kept alive its streak of not having lost to an English club or provincial team since 1978. The English leg of the tour drew a total of 212,068 fans to the 13 games (including the three tests). However Challenge Cup winners Castleford and Premiership winners Warrington despite their trophy successes never got games against the Kangaroos (both would be back on the Kangaroos itinerary in 1990 and 1994) while the Lancashire Cup and John Player Special Trophy winners Wigan, the Yorkshire Cup winners Hull Kingston Rovers, and League Champions Halifax, all got games against the touring Australians.

Test Venues

The three Ashes series tests took place at the following venues.

Manchester Leeds Wigan
Old Trafford Elland Road Central Park
Capacity: 51,000Capacity: 32,500Capacity: 37,000
Old Trafford march 1992.JPG Elland rd2.jpg Central park kop.jpg

Sunday, 12 October
Wigan Wigancolours.svg 18 – 26 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:
Dean Bell, Shaun Edwards, Joe Lydon
Goals:
Henderson Gill (3/4)
[3]
Tries:
Michael O'Connor, Peter Sterling, Noel Cleal, Wally Lewis, Les Kiss
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (3/5)
Central Park, Wigan
Attendance: 30,622
Referee: John Holdsworth
Player of the Match: Bryan Niebling
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Wigan
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Australia
FB1 Steve Hampson
RW2 Dean Bell
CE3 David Stephenson
CE4 Joe Lydon
LW5 Henderson Gill
SO6 Shaun Edwards
SH7 Mike Ford
PR8 Graeme West (c)
HK9 Martin Dermott
PR10 Brian Case
SR11 Ian Roberts
SR12 Ian Potter
LF13 Andy Goodway
Substitutions:
IC14 Nick Du Toit
IC15 Rob Louw
Coach:
Flag of New Zealand.svg Graham Lowe
FB1 Garry Jack
LW2 Michael O'Connor
CE3 Gene Miles
CE4 Brett Kenny
RW5 Les Kiss
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Peter Sterling
PR8 Steve Roach
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Bryan Niebling
SR11 Paul Sironen
SR12 Noel Cleal
LK13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Les Davidson
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

The Kangaroos led 16–2 at half time in front of 30,622 fans (the record for a Wigan vs Australia match on a Kangaroo Tour) in the tour opener at Wigan (10,000 more than would attend the dead rubber 3rd test at the same ground some 6 weeks later). A fightback in the second half by the home side saw them close the game to just 8 points at full time. [4]

The attendance at this game (30,622) was the largest crowd the Kangaroos had played in front of in England since 30,604 attended the 3rd Ashes Test at Headingley on the 1978 Kangaroo tour. It was also the highest ever tour game attendance against Wigan beating the 28,554 who attended the match at Central Park between Wigan and the 1948–49 Kangaroos captained by Clive Churchill.


Wednesday, 15 October
Hull Kingston Rovers HKRcolours.svg 10 – 46 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:
Kerry Boustead
Goals:
John Dorahy (3/3)
[5]
Tries:
Terry Lamb (5), Ben Elias (2), Paul Langmack, Chris Mortimer
Goals:
Terry Lamb (3/3)
Mal Meninga (2/4)
Craven Park, Hull
Attendance: 6,868
Referee: Gerry Kershaw
Player of the Match: Terry Lamb
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Hull KR
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Australia
FB1 George Fairbairn (c)
RW2 Garry Clark
CE3 John Dorahy
CE4 Kerry Boustead
LW5 David Laws
SO6 Mike Smith
SH7 Wayne Parker
PR8 Mark Broadhurst
HK9 Chris Rudd
PR10 Asuquo Ema
SR11 Andy Kelly
SR12 Des Harrison
LF13 Paul Speckman
Substitutions:
IC14 Ray Stead
IC15 Dave Busby
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Roger Millward
FB1 Gary Belcher
LW2 Chris Mortimer
CE3 Gene Miles
CE4 Mal Meninga
RW5 Dale Shearer
FE6 Terry Lamb
HB7 Des Hasler
PR8 Greg Dowling
HK9 Benny Elias (c)
PR10 Martin Bella
SR11 Steve Folkes
SR12 Paul Dunn
LK13 Paul Langmack
Substitutions:
IC14 Greg Alexander
IC15 Les Davidson
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

All of Hull KR's points were scored by Australian's. Former Wests, Manly and Illawarra back John Dorahy kicked 3 goals for the Robins while 1978 and 1982 Kangaroo tourist and 25 test veteran Kerry Boustead scored the only try for the home team with all 10 points coming in the first half. For the Kangaroos, Terry Lamb crossed for 5 of the teams 9 tries. Australian halfback Des Hasler broke his hand in the first half and was replaced by Greg Alexander. Hasler's injury would keep him out of action for a month and he would not return to the field until the 11th game of the tour against Hull F.C. at The Boulevard.

For the match at Craven Park, Kangaroo tour broadcaster Network Ten had to hire extra lighting to bring the lights up to broadcasting standard. It would become a common theme and problem during tour games for Ten with all bar the Ashes tests and the games against Wigan, Leeds and Hull F.C. being played at night at grounds where the lighting was usually not up to broadcast standard. [6]


Sunday, 19 October
Leeds Rhinoscolours.svg 0 – 40 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:

Goals:
David Creasser (0/1)
[7]
Tries:
Michael O'Connor (2), Wally Lewis (2), Garry Jack, Noel Cleal, Greg Dowling, Brett Kenny
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (4/8)
Headingley, Leeds
Attendance: 11,389
Referee: Robin Whitfield
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Leeds
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Australia
FB1 Paul Gill
RW2 David Creasser
CE3 Andrew Ettingshausen
CE4 Mark McGaw
LW5 Norman Francis
SO6 John Holmes
SH7 Andy Gascoigne
PR8 Jeff Grayshon
HK9 Bob Morris
PR10 Peter Smith
SR11 Phil Owen
SR12 Gary Price
LF13 David Heron (c)
Substitutions:
IC14 Paul Medley
IC15 Trevor Skerrett
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Peter Fox
FB1 Garry Jack
RW2 Les Kiss
CE3 Brett Kenny
CE4 Gene Miles
LW5 Michael O'Connor
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Peter Sterling
PR8 Steve Roach
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Bryan Niebling
SR11 Paul Sironen
SR12 Noel Cleal
LK13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Greg Dowling
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

Leeds were unlucky not to be awarded a try midway through the second half after it appeared that replacement forward Trevor Skerrett had managed to get the ball down after good lead up work by former Great Britain international Jeff Greyshon. However an un-sighted referee Whitfield ruled that Skerrett had been held up in-goal. Leeds only other scoring opportunity came in the first half but young winger David Creasser missed a relatively simple penalty kick from in front of the posts. Leeds' centre pairing for the game were Cronulla-Sutherland imports Andrew Ettingshausen and Mark McGaw who would play against Leeds for Australia on the 1990 Kangaroo tour. When Don Furner originally selected his team for the game, Steve Folkes was to partner Crusher Cleal in Australia's second row with Paul Sironen coming off the bench. However a minor calf injury for Folkes at training saw Sironen start in No.11 with Greg Dowling coming onto the bench. [8]


Tuesday, 21 October
Cumbria County Flag of Cumbria.svg 12 – 48 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:
Graeme Cameron, Les Holliday
Goals:
Graeme Cameron (2)
[9]
Tries:
Greg Alexander (3), Terry Lamb (3), Dale Shearer (2), Gary Belcher, Mal Meninga
Goals:
Terry Lamb (3)
Michael O'Connor (1)
Craven Park, Barrow-in-Furness
Attendance: 4,233
Referee: John McDonald
Player of the Match: Les Davidson
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Cumbria
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Australia
FB1 Gary Smith
RW2 Michael James
CE3 Kevin Pape
CE4 Tony Kay
LW5 David Beck
SO6 Graeme Cameron (c)
SH7 David Cairns
PR8 David Kendall
HK9 Colin Falcon
PR10 Jeff Simpson
SR11 Stephen Mossop
SR12 Les Holliday
LF13 Milton Huddart
Substitutions:
IC14 Norman Lofthouse
IC15 Bill Pattison
Coach:
FB1 Gary Belcher
RW2 Dale Shearer
CE3 Chris Mortimer
CE4 Mal Meninga
LW5 Michael O'Connor
FE6 Terry Lamb
HB7 Greg Alexander
PR8 Phil Daley
HK9 Benny Elias (c)
PR10 Martin Bella
SR11 Paul Dunn
SR12 Les Davidson
LK13 Paul Langmack
Substitutions:
IC14 Paul Sironen
IC15
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

The Kangaroos only match against a full county lineup was played in front of the English leg's smallest crowd of just 4,233 at Craven Park in Barrow-in-Furness. As of 2024 this would be the 11th last game the Kangaroos played at the home of the Barrow club.


The Ashes

1st Ashes Test

The crowd of 50,583 for the first Test at the Old Trafford ground in Manchester, set a record for an international match on British soil, beating the previous record of 42,685 for an England vs New Zealand test at the Odsal Stadium in Bradford in 1947. [10] [11] The Ashes series against Great Britain saw an aggregate Ashes series crowd of 101,560 attending the three Tests, though this fell short of the record aggregate attendance of 114,883 set during the 1948–49 Kangaroo tour. [12] [13]

Saturday, 25 October 1986
Great Britain  Flag of the United Kingdom.svg16 – 38Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Tries:
Garry Schofield
Joe Lydon
Tony Marchant
Goals:
Lee Crooks (1/3)
Henderson Gill (1/1)
[14]
Tries:
Gene Miles (3)
Michael O'Connor (3)
Garry Jack
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (5/9)
Old Trafford, Manchester
Attendance: 50,583
Referee: Julien Rascagneres Flag of France.svg
Player of the Match: Wally Lewis
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Great Britain
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Australia
FB1 Joe Lydon
RW2 Tony Marchant
RC3 Garry Schofield
LC4 Ellery Hanley
LW5 Henderson Gill
SO6 Tony Myler
SH7 Deryck Fox
PR8 Kevin Ward
HK9 David Watkinson (c)
PR10 John Fieldhouse
SR11 Lee Crooks
SR12 Ian Potter
LK13 Andy Goodway
Substitutions:
IC14 Shaun Edwards
IC15 Andy Platt
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Maurice Bamford
FB1 Garry Jack
LW2 Michael O'Connor
RC3 Brett Kenny
LC4 Gene Miles
RW5 Les Kiss
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Peter Sterling
PR8 Greg Dowling
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Steve Roach
SR11 Noel Cleal
SR12 Bryan Niebling
LF13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Mal Meninga
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

The Kangaroos began their Ashes defence in a blaze of glory. Wet and windy conditions were the order of the day at Old Trafford as Gene Miles (who completely out-played Ellery Hanley) and Michael O'Connor crossed for 3 tries each. O'Connor also contributed 5 goals in the tricky conditions for a personal haul of 22 points as the Australian's took a 1–0 series lead with a convincing 38–16 win. Although soundly beaten, the Lions gave their fans something to cheer in the second half by providing something of a fightback, culminating in Joe Lydon sprinting 60 metres and out-pacing Garry Jack to score in the corner. Lydon's try created Ashes history as it was the first time in 97 tests between the two sides that a British fullback had scored a try.


Wednesday, 29 October
Halifax Faxcolours.svg 2 – 36 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:

Goals:
Colin Whitfield (1/3)
[15]
Tries:
Greg Alexander (2), Terry Lamb (2), Gary Belcher, Brett Kenny, Mal Meninga
Goals:
Terry Lamb (4/7)
Thrum Hall, Halifax
Attendance: 7,193
Referee: Mick Beaumont
Player of the Match: Greg Alexander
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Halifax
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Australia
FB1 Graham Eadie
RW2 Scott Wilson
CE3 Colin Whitfield
CE4 Chris Anderson (c)
LW5 Steve Smith
SO6 Neil Hague
SH7 Gary Stephens
PR8 Keith Neller
HK9 Chris Preece
PR10 Brian Juliff
SR11 Peter Bell
SR12 Paul Dixon
LF13 Grant Rix
Substitutions:
IC14 Eddie Riddlesden
IC15
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Chris Anderson
FB1 Gary Belcher
RW2 Brett Kenny
CE3 Chris Mortimer
CE4 Mal Meninga
LW5 Noel Cleal
FE6 Terry Lamb
HB7 Greg Alexander
PR8 Paul Dunn
HK9 Benny Elias (c)
PR10 Martin Bella
SR11 Paul Sironen
SR12 Les Davidson
LK13 Paul Langmack
Substitutions:
IC14 Michael O'Connor
IC15
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

This game saw Don Furner play a couple of players out of position with Brett Kenny and Noel Cleal on the wings.


Sunday, 2 November
St. Helens Saintscolours.svg 8 – 32 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:

Goals:
Paul Loughlin (4)
[16]
Tries:
Dale Shearer (2), Noel Cleal, Mal Meninga, Gene Miles, Bryan Niebling
Goals:
Mal Meninga (3)
Terry Lamb (1)
Knowsley Road, St. Helens
Attendance: 15,381
Referee: Fred Lindop
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St Helens
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Australia
FB1 Phil Veivers
RW2 Barry Ledger
CE3 Paul Loughlin
CE4 Steve Halliwell
LW5 Kevin McCormack
SO6 Brett Clark
SH7 Neil Holding (c)
PR8 Tony Burke
HK9 Graham Liptrot
PR10 Paul Forber
SR11 Roy Heggerty
SR12 Andy Platt
LF13 Chris Arkwright
Substitutions:
IC14 Shaun Allen
IC15 Paul Round
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Alex Murphy
FB1 Garry Jack
RW2 Dale Shearer
CE3 Brett Kenny
CE4 Gene Miles
LW5 Mal Meninga
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Peter Sterling
PR8 Greg Dowling
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Steve Roach
SR11 Noel Cleal
SR12 Bryan Neibling
LK13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Paul Dunn
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

With the exception of Mal Meninga on the wing in place of a resting Michael O'Connor (Meninga had played for St Helens in 1984–85 and remained a crowd favourite at Knowsley Road), the Kangaroos played with the expected 2nd Test line up. Dale Shearer had replaced the injured Les Kiss on the wing and highlighted his return to the top side with a 70-metre intercept try in the first half that in effect gave a clean bill of health to a previously injured groin muscle.

Steve Roach's tour effectively ended after dislocating his elbow during the match which would see Don Furner use Paul Dunn in the front row for the second test.


Tuesday, 4 November
Oldham Oldhamcolours.svg 16 – 22 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:
Colin Hawkyard, Des Foy
Goals:
Mick Worrall (3/5)
David Hobbs (1/1)
[17]
Tries:
Terry Lamb (2), Ben Elias, Greg Alexander
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (3/6)
Mal Meninga (0/1)
The Watersheddings, Oldham
Attendance: 5,678
Referee: Mick Beaumont
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Oldham
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Australia
FB1 Jeff Edwards
RW2 Paul Sherman
CE3 Des Foy
CE4 Gary Warnecke
LW5 Hussein M'Barki
SO6 David Topliss (c)
SH7 Ray Ashton
PR8 Bruce Clark
HK9 Terry Flanagan
PR10 Neil Clawson
SR11 David Hobbs
SR12 Mick Worrall
LF13 Stuart Raper
Substitutions:
IC14 Colin Hawkyard
IC15 Tony Nadiole
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Frank Myler
FB1 Gary Belcher
RW2 Dale Shearer
CE3 Chris Mortimer
CE4 Mal Meninga
LW5 Michael O'Connor
FE6 Terry Lamb
HB7 Greg Alexander
PR8 Phil Daley
HK9 Benny Elias (c)
PR10 Martin Bella
SR11 Steve Folkes
SR12 Les Davidson
LK13 Paul Langmack
Substitutions:
IC14 Paul Sironen
IC15
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

Oldham put up a spirited display against the Kangaroos before going down by the closest score of the tour, 22–16. This would be the last time the touring Kangaroos would play Oldham. In the Oldham team that night was David Topliss who had played for Great Britain in the third test in 1982 and was part of the Hull team who narrowly lost to the 1982 Kangaroos


2nd Ashes Test

Great Britain coach Maurice Bamford surprisingly made only one change to the team that had lost heavily in Manchester. Centre Ellery Hanley was ruled out through injury and replaced by St. Helens winger Barry Ledger, with Tony Marchant moving from the wing to partner Garry Schofield in the centres. Bamford came in for heavy criticism from former Great Britain and England internationals for his selections. For the Kangaroos, Dale Shearer made his return to the Test team replacing the injured Les Kiss on the wing, while Canterbury-Bankstown forward Paul Dunn returned to the team in the front row replacing Steve Roach who had dislocated his elbow in the win over St. Helens.

Saturday, 8 November 1986
Great Britain  Flag of the United Kingdom.svg4 – 34Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Tries:
Garry Schofield




Goals:
Lee Crooks (0/1)
[18]
Tries:
Garry Jack (2)
Bob Lindner
Michael O'Connor
Wally Lewis
Brett Kenny
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (5/8)
Elland Road, Leeds
Attendance: 30,808
Referee: Julien Rascagneres Flag of France.svg
Player of the Match: Noel Cleal
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Great Britain
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Australia
FB1 Joe Lydon
RW2 Barry Ledger
RC3 Garry Schofield
LC4 Tony Marchant
LW5 Henderson Gill
SO6 Tony Myler
SH7 Deryck Fox
PR8 Kevin Ward
HK9 David Watkinson (c)
PR10 John Fieldhouse
SR11 Lee Crooks
SR12 Ian Potter
LK13 Andy Goodway
Substitutions:
IC14 Shaun Edwards
IC15 Andy Platt
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Maurice Bamford
FB1 Garry Jack
LW2 Michael O'Connor
RC3 Brett Kenny
LC4 Gene Miles
RW5 Dale Shearer
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Peter Sterling
PR8 Greg Dowling
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Paul Dunn
SR11 Noel Cleal
SR12 Bryan Niebling
LF13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Mal Meninga
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

After an even start, during which the Lions had made a couple of line breaks that had the Australian defence scrambling, the Kangaroos ran riot in the second Test, wrapping up The Ashes with a six tries to one, 34–4 win in front of 30,808 at Elland Road. The Lions only try came late in the game. Australia led 34-0 when Kangaroos fullback Garry Jack, who had scored two tries, pushed a pass 10 metres from his line to Michael O'Connor. The Aussie winger dropped the ball (which was bullet like and at his knees) and it was pounced upon by Schofield who scored only 15 metres wide of the posts. Lee Crooks missed the relatively easy conversion of his team's only try, summing up the Lions day. Such was the Kangaroos dominance that this was the only kick at goal the Lions managed throughout the match.

Bob Lindner scored the opening try of the game after backing up a strong burst up the middle by Noel Cleal. O'Connor converted the try and was also next to score after taking a cut-out pass from Peter Sterling near his own quarter line. After racing around the Lions defence, O'Connor kicked ahead as Joe Lydon loomed and easily won the 55 metre race to the ball for the try. He converted his own try to give Australia a 12–0 lead which they took into half time. The floodgates opened in the second though and the Kangaroos blew the Lions away with a powerful performance. Two tries to Garry Jack and one each to Wally Lewis and Brett Kenny saw Australia leading 34-0 before Schofield's try at least gave the crowd something to cheer. Before Kenny's try with the score at 28–0, the crowd, far from impressed with the Lions performance, had even begun to chant "What a load of rubbish" (clearly audible on the television coverage) and were actually applauding the Kangaroos open style of play.

In his television commentary of the game, former Australian dual-rugby international and 1959-60 Kangaroo tour vice-captain Rex Mossop summed up the game when calling Brett Kenny's try, stating that "Australia carved them up. They've decimated, dissected and absolutely diabolically destroyed this Great Britain side today".


Wednesday, 12 November
Widnes Widnes colours.svg 4 – 20 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:

Goals:
Mick Burke (2)
[19]
Tries:
Greg Alexander, Martin Bella, Chris Mortimer
Goals:
Terry Lamb (2)
Mal Meninga (2)
Naughton Park, Widnes
Attendance: 10,268
Referee: Geoff Berry
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Widnes
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Australia
FB1 Mick Burke
RW2 Dave Moran
CE3 Darren Wright
CE4 Barry Dowd
LW5 John Basnett
SO6 Tony Myler (c)
SH7 David Hulme
PR8 Steve O'Neill
HK9 Phil McKenzie
PR10 Mike O'Neill
SR11 Richard Eyres
SR12 Paul Hulme
LF13 Harry Pinner
Substitutions:
IC14
IC15
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Doug Laughton
FB1 Gary Belcher
RW2 Dale Shearer
CE3 Chris Mortimer
CE4 Mal Meninga
LW5 Les Kiss
FE6 Terry Lamb
HB7 Greg Alexander
PR8 Les Davidson
HK9 Benny Elias (c)
PR10 Martin Bella
SR11 Paul Sironen
SR12 Steve Folkes
LK13 Paul Langmack
Substitutions:
IC14 Brett Kenny
IC15 Phil Daley
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

Sunday, 16 November
Hull F.C. Hullcolours.svg 0 – 48 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:

Goals:
[20]
Tries:
Terry Lamb (2), Des Hasler (2), Peter Sterling, Mal Meninga, Gene Miles, Garry Jack, Dale Shearer
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (6)
The Boulevard, Hull
Attendance: 8,231
Referee: John McDonald
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Hull F.C.
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Australia
FB1 Gary Kemble
RW2 Paul Eastwood
CE3 Dane O'Hara
CE4 Stewart Vass
LW5 Carl McCoid
SO6 Fred Ah Kuoi
SH7 Phil Windley
PR8 Dave Brown
HK9 Steve Crooks
PR10 Andy Dannatt
SR11 Steve Norton
SR12 Lee Crooks (c)
LF13 Tracy Lazenby
Substitutions:
IC14 Gary Pearce
IC15 Jon Sharp
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Len Casey
FB1 Garry Jack
RW2 Dale Shearer
CE3 Gene Miles
CE4 Mal Meninga
LW5 Michael O'Connor
FE6 Terry Lamb
HB7 Peter Sterling (c)
PR8 Greg Dowling
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Phil Daley
SR11 Noel Cleal
SR12 Bryan Neibling
LK13 Paul Langmack
Substitutions:
IC14 Des Hasler
IC15 Les Davidson
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

15 minutes into the game, Kangaroos second rower Noel Cleal broke his arm in the game against Hull which not only ended his tour but it also proved to be the end of his test career. While he returned to representative football in 1987 and 1988 playing for NSW, he would never again gain test selection. Peter Sterling, who had played for Hull during the 1984–85 English season and led them to the Challenge Cup Final, was given the honour of captaining the Kangaroos against his former club and scored the first try after a 40 metre scoot down the sideline showing surprising pace to beat former Hull team mate and New Zealand test fullback Gary Kemble.

After breaking his thumb during the first half of the second tour game against Hull Kingston Rovers at Craven Park, Des Hasler returned to the side off the bench and scored two tries. Hasler came on to replace his Manly-Warringah team mate Cleal, moving to lock and pushing Paul Langmack to the 2nd row. Rex Mossop in TV commentary told that while Hasler was selected for the game it was planned that with his left hand still heavily bandaged that he would only play the last 5 minutes. However as the other replacement Les Davidson had already been called on to replace Bryan Neibling who suffered a corked thigh only 10 minutes into the game, Hasler had to play far more minutes than Don Furner had originally planned.


Tuesday, 18 November
Bradford Northern Bullscolours.svg 0 – 38 Australian colours.svg Australia
Tries:

Goals:
[21]
Tries:
Bob Lindner, Greg Alexander, Chris Mortimer, Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Terry Lamb, Brett Kenny
Goals:
Greg Alexander (5)
Odsal Stadium, Bradford
Attendance: 10,633
Referee: Derek Fox
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Bradford Northern
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Australia
FB1 Keith Mumby (c)
RW2 Phil Ford
CE3 Steve Donlan
CE4 Phil Hellewell
LW5 Roger Simpson
SO6 John Woods
SH7 Terry Holmes
PR8 Ian Howcroft
HK9 Gary Brentley
PR10 Mario Fenech
SR11 Dick Jasiewicz
SR12 Karl Fairbank
LF13 Mal Graham
Substitutions:
IC14 Brian Noble
IC15 Ian Sherratt
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Barry Seabourne
FB1 Gary Belcher
LW2 Greg Alexander
CE3 Brett Kenny
CE4 Chris Mortimer
RW5 Dale Shearer
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Des Hasler
PR8 Paul Dunn
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Martin Bella
SR11 Les Davidson
SR12 Paul Sironen
LK13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Mal Meninga
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

This match was played in heavy rain and fog. The match saw the most even spread of Australia's "Kangaroos" and "Emu's" (midweek) teams on the tour with 7 non-test and 8 test players in the selected XV.


3rd Ashes Test

This match also counted as part of the 1985–88 Rugby League World Cup and was the only match of the series played at a regular rugby league ground, the first two Tests having been played in soccer stadiums to take advantage of the greater spectator capacity. It was also the last Ashes Test in England played at a club home ground until the 2001 Kangaroo tour. Also this would end up being the last Ashes Great Britain v Australia test match to be played at Wigan's Central Park as the ground would be demolished after the 1999 season.

The only Australian team change from the second Test win was Mal Meninga coming off the bench into the second row to replace the injured Noel Cleal (broken arm) with South Sydney forward Les Davidson named on the bench in his Test debut. With the loss of Cleal, Australian coach Don Furner was mulling over whom to replace him with when team captain Wally Lewis suggested moving Meninga to the back row, reasoning that there would be little disruption to the team as both Mal and "Crusher" Cleal were roughly the same size and were fast, skilled players who played a similar style of game. After heavy criticism of his selections for the first two tests from a number of former Great Britain internationals, Maurice Bamford made five changes to the Lions with the recall of halfback Andy Gregory, centre David Stephenson, winger John Basnett and back rowers Chris Burton and Harry Pinner.

Saturday, 22 November 1986
Great Britain  Flag of the United Kingdom.svg15 – 24Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Tries:
Garry Schofield (2)



Goals:
Joe Lydon (2/3)
Henderson Gill (1/1)
Field Goals:
Garry Schofield (1)
[22]
Tries:
Gene Miles
Bob Lindner
Dale Shearer
Wally Lewis
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (4/5)
Central Park, Wigan
Attendance: 20,169
Referee: Julien Rascagneres Flag of France.svg
Player of the Match: Paul Dunn
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Great Britain
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Australia
FB1 Joe Lydon
LW2 Henderson Gill
RC3 Garry Schofield
LC4 David Stephenson
RW5 John Basnett
SO6 Tony Myler
SH7 Andy Gregory
PR8 Kevin Ward
HK9 David Watkinson (c)
PR10 Lee Crooks
SR11 Chris Burton
SR12 Andy Goodway
LK13 Ian Potter
Substitutions:
IC14 Shaun Edwards
IC15 Ian Potter
Coach:
Flag of England.svg Maurice Bamford
FB1 Garry Jack
LW2 Michael O'Connor
RC3 Brett Kenny
LC4 Gene Miles
RW5 Dale Shearer
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Peter Sterling
PR8 Greg Dowling
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Paul Dunn
SR11 Mal Meninga
SR12 Bryan Niebling
LF13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Les Davidson
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

As with the 1982 Ashes series, the third Test was the most genuinely contested of the Tests played, with the Lions putting in a much improved performance. Centre Gene Miles opened the scoring in the early minutes of the game, with lock forward Bob Lindner also scoring soon after. Successful conversions by Michael O'Connor saw the Kangaroos lead 12-0 after just 15 minutes and another rout looked on the cards. However, the Lions dug deep and tries to Garry Schofield either side of half time saw the game tied at 12-all with the Lions looking like winners for the first time in the series. The game was in the balance until French referee Julien Rascagneres awarded a penalty try to Australian winger Dale Shearer after he was illegally tackled by his opposite John Basnett when both were chasing the ball which Shearer had kicked downfield. A penalty goal to Joe Lydon and a field goal by Schofield reduced the deficit to 18–15, but Wally Lewis then put the result beyond doubt with a try after bamboozling the Lions defence with two dummies near the sideline before racing around to score beside the posts.

France

Wednesday, 26 November
President's XIII France colours.svg 4 – 36 Australian colours.svg Australia

Parc des Princes, Paris
Attendance: 800

First Test

Sunday, 30 November 1986
France  Flag of France.svg2 – 44Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Tries:




Goals:
Gilles Dumas (1/2)
[23]
Tries:
Michael O'Connor (3)
Bob Lindner (2)
Gene Miles (2)
Garry Jack
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (4/9)
Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Fred Lindop Flag of England.svg
Player of the Match: Michael O'Connor
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France
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Australia
FB1 Gilles Dumas
RW2 Didier Couston
RC3 Roger Palisses
LC4 Alain Maury
LW5 Hugues Ratier
SO6 Dominique Espugna
SH7 Patrick Entat
PR8 Max Chantal
HK9 Thierry Bernabé
PR10 Jean-Luc Rabot
SR11 Guy Laforgue (c)
SR12 Serge Titeux
LK13 Daniel Verdes
Substitutions:
IC14 Serge Bret
IC15 Francis Laforgue
Coach:
FB1 Garry Jack
RW2 Dale Shearer
RC3 Brett Kenny
LC4 Gene Miles
LW5 Michael O'Connor
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Peter Sterling
PR8 Greg Dowling
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Paul Dunn
SR11 Les Davidson
SR12 Bryan Niebling
LF13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Paul Sironen
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

Wednesday, 3 December
Le Pontet XIII 5 – 42 Australian colours.svg Australia
[24]
Stade de Fargues, Le Pontet
Attendance: 2,500

Friday, 5 December
Midi-Pyrénées XIII Flag of Midi-Pyrenees.svg 2 – 12 Australian colours.svg Australia
[25]
Stade des Minimes, Toulouse
Attendance: 1,500

Sunday, 7 December
France B France colours.svg 0 – 50 Australian colours.svg Australia
[26]
Stade Municipal d'Albi, Albi
Attendance: 2,000

Wednesday, 10 December
Aquitaine Flag of Aquitaine.svg 8 – 50 Australian colours.svg Australia
[27]

Second Test

Australia's win over France in the final match of the tour, which counted as part of the ongoing 1985-88 World Cup tournament, was a record margin for a Test match. [28] [29]

Saturday, 13 December
France  Flag of France.svg0 – 52Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Tries:





Goals:
[30]
Tries:
Dale Shearer (4)
Garry Jack (3)
Steve Folkes
Bryan Niebling
Michael O'Connor
Goals:
Michael O'Connor (6/10)
Stade d'Albert Domec, Carcassonne
Attendance: 5,000
Referee: Fred Lindop Flag of England.svg
Player of the Match: Dale Shearer
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France
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Australia
FB1 Patrick Wosniak
RW2 Sebastian Rodriguez
RC3 Philippe Fourquet
LC4 Francis Laforgue
LW5 Hugues Ratier
SO6 Roger Palisses
SH7 Christian Scicchitano
PR8 Max Chantal
HK9 Thierry Bernabé
PR10 Serge Titeux
SR11 Guy Laforgue (c)
SR12 Daniel Verdes
LK13 Philippe Gestas
Substitutions:
IC14 Gilles Dumas
IC15 Yves Storer
Coach:
FB1 Garry Jack
RW2 Dale Shearer
RC3 Brett Kenny
LC4 Gene Miles
LW5 Michael O'Connor
FE6 Wally Lewis (c)
HB7 Peter Sterling
PR8 Greg Dowling
HK9 Royce Simmons
PR10 Paul Dunn
SR11 Steve Folkes
SR12 Bryan Niebling
LF13 Bob Lindner
Substitutions:
IC14 Terry Lamb
IC15 Les Davidson
Coach:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Furner

Statistics

Leading Try Scorer

Leading Point Scorer

Largest Attendance

Largest Club Game Attendance

Related Research Articles

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The Great Britain national rugby league team represents Great Britain in rugby league. Administered by the Rugby Football League (RFL), the team is nicknamed The Lions.

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References

  1. Gallaway, Jack (2003). Origin: Rugby league's greatest contest 1980 - 2002. University of Queensland Press. pp. 93–94. ISBN   9780702233838.
  2. 1986 Papua New Guinea vs Australia
  3. Wigan vs Australia
  4. 1986 Kangaroo Tour - Wigan vs Australia (full game)
  5. Hull KR vs Australia
  6. 1986 Kangaroo Tour - Hull KR vs Australia (full game)
  7. Leeds vs Australia
  8. 1986 Leeds vs Australia highlights
  9. Cumbria vs Australia
  10. 1947 England vs New Zealand at Rugby League Project
  11. Rugby league
  12. McGregor, Adrian (1991). Simply The Best: The 1990 Kangaroos. Qld: University of Queensland Press. p. 227 Tour Statistics. ISBN   0-7022-2370-0.
  13. 1948/49 Ashes series at Rugby League Project
  14. 1st Test - Great Britain vs Australia
  15. Halifax vs Australia
  16. St Helens vs Australia
  17. Oldham vs Australia
  18. 2nd Test - Great Britain vs Australia
  19. Widnes vs Australia
  20. Hull vs Australia
  21. Bradford Northern vs Australia
  22. 3rd Test - Great Britain vs Australia
  23. 1st Test - France vs Australia
  24. Le Pontet XIII vs Australia
  25. Midi-Pyrénées vs Australia
  26. France B vs Australia
  27. Aquitaine vs Australia
  28. "Unbeaten Kangaroos the 'Best Ever'". The Sydney Morning Herald . Fairfax Digital. 1986-12-15. p. 39. Retrieved 2009-10-06.
  29. 1986 Kangaroo tour results at Rugby League Project
  30. 2nd Test - France vs Australia