Rugby League Test Australia v New Zealand 1987

This is only rugby league Test match between New Zealand and Australia in 1987. This match was organised after France were unable to tour New Zealand. Australia was fresh from their famous second Invincibles tour of Britain and France at the end of 1986, and hardened by a bruising State of Origin series. The Kiwis had a new-look side after Graham Lowe was deposed as coach following a 3-0 series loss to Australia in 1986 and an end-of-year humiliating loss to Papua New Guinea. Tank Gordon was the new Kiwi coach. Hugh McGahan took over from Mark Graham as captain and played much of the match with a broken arm (and topped the tackle count). Played at Lang Park, Brisbane on July 21, 1987, the match is (in)famous for the confrontation between Australian captain Wally Lewis and referee Neville Kesha. Teams: New Zealand: 1. Darrell Williams; 2. Mark Elia; 3. Dean Bell; 4. Kevin Iro; 5. Gary Mercer; 6. Shane Cooper; 7. Clayton Friend; 8. Adrian Shelford; 9. Wayne Wallace; 10. Ross Taylor; 11. Mark Horo; 12. Sam Stewart; 13. Hugh McGahan. Reserves: 14. Gary Freeman; 15. Dean Lonergan. Australia: 1. Garry Jack; 2. Michael O'Connor; 3. Brett Kenny; 4. Gene Miles; 5. Dale Shearer; 6. Wally Lewis; 7. Peter Sterling; 8. Greg Dowling; 9. Royce Simmons; 10.Peter Tunks ; 11. Bryan Niebling; 12. Wayne Pearce; 13. Bob Lindner. Reserves: 14.Brian Johnston; 15. Les Davidson.