1986 Trans-Tasman Test series
The 1986 Trans-Tasman Test series was an international rugby league test series played in New Zealand and Australia between the Australia national rugby league team and the New Zealand national rugby league team. The series began on 6 July in Auckland and finished on 29 July in Brisbane, consisted of three test matches, with the third test doubling as a 1985–1988 Rugby League World Cup tournament match.[1][2]
After having lost 18-0 to the Kiwis at Carlaw Park in the 3rd test of the 1985 series, Australia won the 1986 series 3-0.
Australia
Australia was coached for the first time by 1956–57 Kangaroo Tourist Don Furner. Wally Lewis was the captain of the team with Wayne Pearce the team vice captain.
The players used by Australia in the series was: Wally Lewis (c), Wayne Pearce (vc), Noel Cleal, Steve Folkes, Garry Jack, Brett Kenny, Les Kiss, Terry Lamb, Gene Miles, Bryan Niebling, Michael O'Connor, Steve Roach, Dale Shearer, Royce Simmons, Peter Sterling, Peter Tunks.
Of the players used by Australia, only Wayne Pearce (injury) and Peter Tunks (personal reasons) did not go on the end of season 1986 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain and France.
New Zealand
The New Zealand test team was coached by Graham Lowe and captained by Mark Graham.
The Kiwis squad was: Mark Graham (North Sydney) (c), Dean Bell, Shane Cooper, Mark Elia, Olsen Filipaina, Gary Freeman, Barry Harvey, Gary Kemble, A'au Leulaui, Hugh McGahan, Dane O'Hara, Ron O'Regan, Gary Prohm, Joe Ropati, Kurt Sorensen, Brent Todd, Wayne Wallace, Darrell Williams, Owen Wright.
First Test
This would be the final test played between New Zealand and Australia at the Carlaw Park ground in Auckland
6 July 1986 |
New Zealand  |
8 – 22 |  Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Dean Bell Goals: Olsen Filipaina (2/2) |
Tries: Brett Kenny (2) Steve Folkes Dale Shearer Goals: Michael O'Connor (3/5) |
Second Test
This would be the final test played at the Sydney Cricket Ground until 2008.
19 July 1986 |
| Australia |
29 - 12 | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Garry Jack Brett Kenny Wally Lewis Gene Miles Wayne Pearce Goals: Michael O'Connor (4) Field Goals: Peter Sterling |
Tries: Olsen Filipaina Dane O'Hara Goals: Olsen Filipaina (2) |
Third Test
Australian vice-captain Wayne Pearce tore the Anterior cruciate ligament during the game. Despite surgery and an intense rehabilitation, he was eventually ruled out of the 1986 Kangaroo Tour after failing a team medical.
29 July 1986 |
| Australia |
32 - 12 | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tries: Brett Kenny (2) Wally Lewis Gene Miles Michael O'Connor Peter Sterling Goals: Michael O'Connor (4) |
Tries: Darrell Williams (2) Goals: Olsen Filipaina (2) |
Aftermath
Dun Furner and Wally Lewis would lead the Australian team on the undefeated 1986 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain and France at the end of the NSWRL and Brisbane Rugby League seasons.
See also
- Australian national rugby league team
- New Zealand national rugby league team
- Australia vs New Zealand in rugby league
References
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