This is the first Test match since the Super League imbroglio erupted in 1995, played between the 'reunified' Australians and New Zealanders, at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, on Friday 24 April, 1998. Australia went in heavy favourites, given their dominance over the fractious Super League years and the fact that ARL players like Johns, Fittler and Menzies were again rubbing shoulders with Super League players like Sailor, Renouf, Lockyer and captain Laurie Daley. They were so strong that they managed to omit legend Allan Langer. New Zealand, though, were missing a swag of players through injury and suspension, such as regulars Kearney, Ngamu, Eru and Puletua, although they welcomed back Jarrod McCracken and Terry Hermansson. Few believed that the Kiwis could repeat their boilover at the same venue at the end of 1997.
Teams
New Zealand: 1. Matthew Ridge (c); 2. Sean Hoppe; 3. Richard Blackmore; 4. Ruben Wiki; 5. Richie Barnett; 6. Robbie Paul; 7. Stacey Jones; 8. John Lomax; 9. Henry Paul; 10. Quentin Pongia; 11. Jarrod McCracken; 12. Tony Iro; 13. Logan Swann. Reserves: 14. Nigel Vagana; 15. Terry Hermansson; 16. Kevin Iro; 17. Joe Vagana. Coach: Frank Endacott.
Australia: 1. Robbie O'Davis; 2. Wendell Sailor; 3. Terry Hill; 4. Steve Renouf; 5. Mat Rogers; 6. Laurie Daley; 7. Andrew Johns; 8. Rodney Howe; 9. Geoff Toovey; 10. Paul Harrogan; 11. Steve Menzies; 12. Brad Thorn; 13. Brad Fittler. Reserves: 14. Darren Lockyer; 15. Nik Kosef; 16. Glenn Lazarus; 17. Dean Pay. Coach: Bob Fulton.
Referee: Russell Smith (England)
26 сен 2024
