Squad
This was the first time that no Auckland-based players were in the squad. [3]
Howie Tamati was the coach and Richard Bolton was the manager. [1]
The 1993 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain and France was a tour by the New Zealand national rugby league team. The New Zealand national rugby league team lost a series 0-3 against Great Britain but defeated Wales and France in one-off test matches. They also won games against Wigan, St Helens, Widnes, Leeds and the Great Britain under 23's.
New Zealand last toured Great Britain in 1989.
Earlier in 1993, New Zealand had drawn 14-all with the Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium. This was the first ever draw between the two countries. They then lost 8-16 on a very wet Palmerston North Showgrounds before finishing the 1993 Trans-Tasman Test series by going down 4-16 at Lang Park in Brisbane.
The New Zealand squad for those matches was: Morvin Edwards, Sean Hoppe, Jarrod McCracken, Dave Watson, Daryl Halligan, Tea Ropati, Gary Freeman (C), Se'e Solomona, Duane Mann, Brent Todd, Gary Mercer, Quentin Pongia, Tawera Nikau, Tony Kemp, Brendon Tuuta, Jason Donnelly, Stephen Kearney, Gavin Hill and John Lomax while Howie Tamati was the coach and Richard Bolton was the manager. [1] All of this squad, with the exception of Gavin Hill and Tony Kemp, were also selected for the tour of Great Britain and France. However, before the tour, they lost McCracken (surgery) and Brent Todd (injury). The Kiwis would also be without first choice goal kicking fullback Matthew Ridge who had suffered a season ending knee injury earlier in the year while playing for Manly. However, with the presence of other known Superboots Daryl Halligan and Wigan's Frano Botica, the Kiwi squad lacked nothing for goal kicking. [2]
The Frank Endacott-coached Junior Kiwis toured Great Britain at the same time as the senior Kiwis, winning 11 of their 12 matches. Their captain, Henry Paul, was called up from the Junior Kiwis to join the main squad mid-tour. Test veteran utility back Dave Watson was also added to the touring squad after playing a starring role at fullback for Bradford Northern in their 17–10 win over the Kiwis in the second game of the tour.
This was the first time that no Auckland-based players were in the squad. [3]
Howie Tamati was the coach and Richard Bolton was the manager. [1]
The New Zealand side played a total of five test matches while on their European tour and one test in New Zealand before leaving.
The three Great Britain vs New Zealand tests took place at the following venues.
| London | Wigan | Leeds |
|---|---|---|
| Wembley Stadium | Central Park | Headingley |
| Capacity: 82,000 | Capacity: 25,000 | Capacity: 22,000 |
 |  |  |
The Kiwis opened their tour with what was their first test against Wales since the 1975 Rugby League World Cup. That game, won 25-24 by the Welsh, was also played in Swansea but at the St. Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground. This game was played at the Vetch Field.
Monday 4 October 1993 |
Wales  | 19 – 24 |  New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Gerald Cordle (2) Goals: Jonathan Davies (5/7) Field Goals: Jonathan Griffiths (1) | [4] | Tries: Jason Mackie Iva Ropati Sean Hoppe Goals: Daryl Halligan (6/7) |
        Wales |     New Zealand |
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A disallowed try in the dying minutes was all that came between Wales pulling off the result of the decade in an exciting clash at Swansea.
Wales led for much of the first half. Two kicked penalties from Jonathan Davies and a drop goal from John Griffiths gave the impetus and on 27 minutes Davies put in a fantastic 40 yard kick to set up the flying Gareth Cordle to score Wales' first try.
However New Zealand were kept in the game by a succession of goals from the classy kicker Daryl Harrigan, and when Quentin Pongia punished a rare weak kick from Davies to set up Mackie just before half-time, the Kiwis took a narrow lead.
Ropati extended the lead to 7 points after the restart before Jiffy's magic took hold on the game again. He kicked a penalty and then repeated the trick of the first half, sending another long kick over the defence to give Cordle his second. Wales smelt victory at 17-16 but almost immediately a lost ball from Devereux allowed Mackie to set up the strong running Sean Hoppe. Both sides exchanged penalties and with a few minutes to go John Devereux took advantage of a hoisted bomb to send Wales into rapture with what they thought was the winning try. Agonisingly for the home side, reserve back Adrian Hadley was correctly ruled offside and Wales' last chance to steal the match was gone.
A famous victory had eluded Wales; nevertheless they had sent a clear message that they were building up to the World Cup and would be willing to take on anybody. [5]
Bradford Northern: Dave Watson, Gerald Cordle, Steve McGowan, Darrel Shelford, Brimah Kebbie, Neil Summers, Deryck Fox, Paul Grayshon, Trevor Clark, Jon Hamer, Roy Powell, Paul Medley, Karl Fairbank. Res – Daio Powell, Carl Winterburn, Adam Greenwood, Keith Mumby. Coach – Peter Fox
New Zealand: Peter Edwards, Whetu Taewa, Jason Williams, Blair Harding, Jason Donnelly, Mark Nixon (c), Aaron Whittaker, Robert Piva, Denvour Johnston, Jason Lowrie, Simon Angell, David Lomax, Logan Edwards. Res – Gary Freeman, Quentin Pongia, Daryl Halligan, Paul Johnson
Kiwi forward Quentin Pongia was suspended for one game after being sent off for a high tackle.
Sunday 10 October |
Wigan  | 18 – 25 |  New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Shaun Edwards, Neil Cowie, Martin Hall Goals: Andy Farrell (3/3) | [7] | Tries: Sean Hoppe (2), Gene Ngamu, Whetu Taewa, Jason Mackie Goals: Gene Ngamu (1/5) Field Goals: Daryl Halligan (1) |
Wigan: Joe Lydon, Jason Robinson, Dean Bell (c), Gary Connolly, Sam Panapa, Frano Botica, Shaun Edwards, Neil Cowie, Martin Hall, Ian Gildart, Denis Betts, Andy Farrell, Phil Clarke. Res - Paul Stevens, Barrie-Jon Mather, Mick Cassidy, Martin Dermott. Coach - John Dorahy
New Zealand: Daryl Halligan, Sean Hoppe, Iva Ropati, Whetu Taewa, Jason Williams, Gene Ngamu, Gary Freeman (c), John Lomax, Duane Mann, Brent Stuart, Stephen Kearney, Robert Piva, Jason Mackie. Res - Aaron Whittaker, David Lomax, Jason Donnelly, Jason Lowrie
Surprisingly, Kiwi coach Howie Tamati elected to have Gene Ngamu kicking the goals despite the presence of 'superboot' Daryl Halligan at fullback in place of Morvin Edwards who was suffering from the flu. The ploy almost backfired as Ngamu only kicked one goal from five attempts. The match was highlighted by Sean Hoppe's 90 metre intercept try in the second half in which he left both Gary Connolly and Sam Panapa in his wake. Frano Botica, who would represent the Kiwis later in the test series, played against his national squad for Wigan.
Tuesday 12 October |
Castleford  | 16 – 4 | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: St. John Ellis (3), Simon Middleton Goals: | [8] | Tries: Goals: |
Castleford: Graham Steadman, St. John Ellis, Richie Blackmore, Grant Anderson, Simon Middleton, Tony Kemp, Mike Ford, Lee Crooks (c), Richard Russell, Tony Morrison, Mike Ketteridge, Andrew Hay, Ian Smales. Res – Jason Flowers, Keith England, Tony Smith, Dean Sampson. Coach – John Joyner
Saturday 16 October 1993 |
Great Britain  | 17 – 0 | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Jason Robinson (2) John Devereux Goals: Jonathan Davies (2) Field Goals: Jonathan Davies (1) | [9] | Tries: Goals: |
    Great Britain | New Zealand |
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St Helens: David Lyon, Mike Riley, Phil Veivers, Paul Loughlin, Alan Hunte, Tea Ropati, Jonathan Griffiths, Jon Neill, Bernard Dwyer, George Mann, Chris Joynt, Sonny Nickle, Shane Cooper (c). Res – Les Quirk, Adam Fogerty, Augustine O'Donnell. Coach – Eric Hughes
Leeds: Alan Tait, Jim Fallon, Kevin Iro, Simon Irving, Jonathan Scales, Garry Schofield (c), Gareth Stephens, Neil Harmon, James Lowes, Gary Rose, Ian Scott, Richie Eyres, Gary Mercer. Res – Graham Holroyd, Andy Gregory, Jim Leatham, Francis Cummins. Coach – Doug Laughton
Saturday 30 October 1993 |
| Great Britain | 29 – 12 | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: John Devereux (2) Paul Newlove Martin Offiah Garry Schofield Goals: Jonathan Davies (4/7) Field Goals: Garry Schofield (1) | [13] | Tries: Iva Ropati Dave Watson Goals: Frano Botica (2/3) |
Great Britain | New Zealand |
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Martin Offiah's standing as the fastest player in rugby league took a beating during the second half when after making a break, he was unceremoniously bundled into touch after a 40-metre run by Kevin Iro. Offiah, recalled to the Lions test side after missing the first test at Wembley through injury, had a 3-metre head start on the Kiwi centre.
Widnes: Stuart Spruce, David Myers, Dave Ruane, Karle Hammond, Adrian Hadley, Christian Tyrer, Bobbie Goulding, Andy Ireland, Steve McCurrie, Rodney Howe, Esene Faimalo, Jon Grieve, Paul Hulme (c). Res – Jason Hunter, Paul Harris, David Smith. Coach – Phil Larder
Great Britain wrapped up the series 3-0 with a commanding 29-10 win at Headingley in Leeds.
Saturday 6 November 1993 |
| Great Britain | 29 – 10 | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Phil Clarke Jonathan Davies Karl Fairbank Andy Farrell Martin Offiah Goals: Jonathan Davies (4/6) Field Goals: Jonathan Davies (1) | [15] | Tries: Jason Williams Goals: Frano Botica (3/4) |
Great Britain | New Zealand |
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After New Zealand lost the second test, and the series, coach Howie Tamati selected Aaron Whittaker at halfback over the incumbent captain, Gary Freeman. After the match Tamati stated "I didn't believe I could win with Gary, it didn't come off but I believe the decision I made gave us a chance, whereas before we had no chance." [16]
The match was highlighted by an 80-metre try to Lions fullback Jonathan Davies. [17]
The Kiwis restored some pride by defeating France 36-11 in the test in Carcassonne.
Sunday 21 November 1993 |
France  | 11 – 36 | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Bernard Llong Claude Sirvent Goals: Pierre Chamorin (1) Field Goals: Pierre Chamorin (1) | [18] | Tries: Kevin Iro (2) Gary Freeman Daryl Halligan Jason Mackie Whetu Taewa Goals: Daryl Halligan (6) |
    France | New Zealand |
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Following the 0–2–1 series loss to Australia and the 3–0 whitewash by Great Britain, Howie Tamati stepped down as New Zealand's head coach. Frank Endacott was appointed the new New Zealand coach from 1994. The Kiwis were next in Great Britain for the 1995 Rugby League World Cup.
Frano Michael Botica is a New Zealand-Croatian rugby union and rugby league coach and former player in both codes, who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He is the head coach of the Philippines sevens team.
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Morvin Renata Tewhetu Aroha Edwards is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who following the footsteps of his father Sam Edwards former NZ Kiwi rugby league player, Morvin represented New Zealand. His position of preference was at Fullback.
The New Zealand rugby league season 1997 was the 90th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the Super League Challenge Cup that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. Waikato won the Challenge Cup by defeating Canterbury 34-18 and also ended the season holding the Rugby League Cup.
The 1998 New Zealand rugby league season was the 91st season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. Auckland won the National Provincial Competition by defeating Canterbury 44-8 while Waikato ended the season holding the Rugby League Cup.
The 1995 New Zealand rugby league season was the 88th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the second season of the Lion Red Cup competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. The North Harbour Sea Eagles won the Cup by defeating the Auckland Warriors Colts 28–21 in the Grand Final.
The 1993 New Zealand rugby league season was the 86th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial Championship competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. Canterbury won the Championship by defeating Auckland 36–12 in the Final.
The 1987 New Zealand rugby league season was the 80th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the Interdistricts Series competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. Auckland won the series, defeating the other three inter-district teams.
The 1988 New Zealand rugby league season was the 81st season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the World Cup final that was played at Eden Park. Australia defeated New Zealand in the final 25–12. Auckland won the National Provincial Competition.
The 1989 New Zealand rugby league season was the 82nd season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial Competition that was won by Auckland.
The 1990 New Zealand rugby league season was the 83rd season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial Competition that was won by Auckland.
The 1991 New Zealand rugby league season was the 84th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial Competition that was won by Auckland.
The 1992 New Zealand rugby league season was the 85th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial Competition that was won by Auckland.
The 1985 New Zealand rugby league season was the 78th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand.
The 1991 Trans-Tasman Test series was an international rugby league test series played in Australia between Australia and New Zealand. The series, which started on 3 July in Melbourne and finished on 31 July in Brisbane, consisted of three test matches, with the third test doubling as a 1989–1992 Rugby League World Cup tournament match. New Zealand did not play in any other matches while on tour.
The 1995 Trans-Tasman Test series was an international rugby league, three test series played in Australia between the Australian Kangaroos and New Zealand national rugby league team. As the series was played in the middle of the 1995 ARL season and most of the Kiwis selected came from Australian Rugby League (ARL) clubs, New Zealand did not play in any tour matches while in Australia, but prior to the series against Australia they had a two test home series against France.
The 1990 Great Britain Lions tour was a tour by the Great Britain national rugby league team of Papua New Guinea and New Zealand which took place from May to July 1990.
The 1989 Kangaroo Tour of New Zealand was a mid-season tour of New Zealand by the Australia national rugby league team. The Australians played six matches on tour, including a three test series against the New Zealand national rugby league team. The tour began on 4 July and finished on 23 July.
The 1993 Trans-Tasman Test series was an international rugby league test series played in Australia between Australia and New Zealand. The series, which started on 20 June in Auckland and finished on 30 June in Brisbane, consisted of three test matches. The three Tests attracted a total of 74,494 fans.
The 1985–1988 Rugby League World Cup involved players from the national rugby league football teams of five countries: Australia, France, Great Britain, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. As the World Cup was played over four years during normal international tours, these groups of players never assembled in one place as an entire squad.
