1986 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France

1986 rugby league tour 1986 Kangaroos tour 12 October 1986 – 13 December 1986 Gordon Treichel, John Fleming Don Furner Wally Lewis Michael O'Connor (170) Terry Lamb (19) 20 20 0 0 5 5 0 0 GBR 3 3 0 0 FRA 2 2 0 0 1982 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. 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. Gallaway Jack Origin: Rugby league's greatest contest 1980 - 2002 University of Queensland Press 2003 93–94 https://books.google.com/books?id=3nDbsx3Hk7QC 9780702233838 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 Player Club Position(s) Games (sub) Tests (sub) Tries Goals Points New South Wales Greg Alexander Old Penrith 16 Penrith Panthers HB WG 9 (1) - 10 5 50 Queensland 1901 Gary Belcher Canberra 16 Canberra Raiders FB 10 - 6 0 24 Queensland 1901 Martin Bella North Sydney 16 North Sydney Bears PR 8 (2) - 1 0 4 New South Wales Noel Cleal Manly 16 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles SR WG 7 2 3 0 12 New South Wales Phil Daley Manly 16 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles PR 7 - 0 0 0 New South Wales Les Davidson South Sydney 16 South Sydney Rabbitohs SR PR 14 3 (2) 0 0 0 Queensland 1901 Greg Dowling Wynnum-Manly 16 Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (Qld) PR 11 5 1 0 4 New South Wales Paul Dunn Canterbury 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs SR PR 11 4 0 0 0 New South Wales Ben Elias Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers HK 10 - 3 0 12 New South Wales Steve Folkes Canterbury 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs SR 6 1 1 0 4 New South Wales Des Hasler Manly 16 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles HB 8 - 4 0 16 New South Wales Garry Jack Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers FB 12 5 12 0 48 New South Wales Brett Kenny Parramatta 16 Parramatta Eels CE WG 14 5 8 0 32 Queensland 1901 Les Kiss North Sydney 16 North Sydney Bears WG 4 1 1 0 4 New South Wales Terry Lamb Canterbury 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs FE 20 5 (5) 19 20 116 New South Wales Paul Langmack Canterbury 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs LK 10 - 3 0 12 Queensland 1901 Wally Lewis (c) Wynnum-Manly 16 Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (Qld) FE 11 5 6 0 24 Queensland 1901 Bob Lindner Wynnum-Manly 16 Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (Qld) LK 10 5 6 0 24 Queensland 1901 Mal Meninga Canberra 16 Canberra Raiders CE WG SR 13 3 (2) 9 7 50 Queensland 1901 Gene Miles Wynnum-Manly 16 Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (Qld) CE 13 5 8 0 32 New South Wales Chris Mortimer Canterbury 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs WG CE 9 - 4 0 32 Queensland 1901 Bryan Niebling Redcliffe 16 Redcliffe Dolphins (Qld) PR SR 10 5 2 0 8 New South Wales Michael O'Connor St George 16 St George Dragons WG 14 5 13 59 170 New South Wales Steve Roach Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers PR 8 1 3 0 12 Queensland 1901 Dale Shearer Manly 16 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles WG 13 4 12 0 48 New South Wales Royce Simmons Old Penrith 16 Penrith Panthers HK 10 5 1 0 4 New South Wales Paul Sironen Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers SR 10 1 0 0 0 New South Wales Peter Sterling (vc) Parramatta 16 Parramatta Eels HB 10 5 3 0 12 By Club The touring side was represented by 18 New South Welshmen (N) and 10 Queenslanders (Q). Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (5): Paul Dunn (N), Steve Folkes (N), Terry Lamb (N), Paul Langmack (N), Chris Mortimer (N) Balmain Tigers (4): Ben Elias (N), Garry Jack (N), Steve Roach (N), Paul Sironen (N) Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (4): Noel Cleal (N), Phil Daley (N), Des Halser (N), Dale Shearer (Q) Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (4): Wally Lewis (captain) (Q), Greg Dowling (Q), Bob Lindner (Q), Gene Miles (Q) Canberra Raiders (2): Gary Belcher (Q), Mal Meninga (Q) North Sydney Bears (2): Martin Bella (Q), Les Kiss (Q) Parramatta Eels (2): Peter Sterling (N) (vice-captain), Brett Kenny (N) Penrith Panthers (2): Greg Alexander (N), Royce Simmons (N) Redcliffe Dolphins (1): Bryan Niebling (Q) South Sydney Rabbitohs (1): Les Davidson (N) St George Dragons (1): Michael O'Connor (N) 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 ftin on, 115 kg stlb on 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 #eeeeee PNG AUS 12 – 62 1986 Papua New Guinea vs Australia Tries: Bal Numapo (2) Goals: Dairi Kovae (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) 4 October 1986 Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby 17,000 Neville Kesha PNG _redborder _Vwidered _redborder _hoops_red FFFF00 FFFF00 FFFF00 FF0000 000000 Papua New Guinea _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Dairi KovaeRW 2Joe KatsirRC 3Lauta AtoiLC 4Bal NumapoLW 5Mafu KerekereFE 6Daruis HailiHB 7Tony Kila (c)PR 8Joe TepHK 9Roy HeniPR 10Ati LomutopaSR 11Bobby AkoSR 12Bernard WaketsiLK 13Arebo TaumakuSubstitutions:IC 14Kepi SaeaIC 15Noah AndyCoach:NZL Barry Wilson FB 1 Garry JackLW 2 Michael O'ConnorRC 3 Gene MilesLC 4 Chris MortimerRW 5 Les KissFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Des HaslerPR 8 Steve RoachHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Bryan NieblingSR 11 Paul DunnSR 12 Noel ClealLF 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Mal MeningaIC 15 Paul SironenCoach:AUS 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: 51,000 Capacity: 32,500 Capacity: 37,000 200px 200px 200px Sunday, 12 October Wigan Wigan 16 18 – 26 Wigan vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Dean Bell, Shaun Edwards, Joe Lydon Goals: Henderson Gill (3/4) Tries: Michael O'Connor, Peter Sterling, Noel Cleal, Wally Lewis, Les Kiss Goals: Michael O'Connor (3/5) Central Park, Wigan 30,622 John Holdsworth Bryan Niebling _butcher stripes white _butcher stripes white _butcher stripes white _color_3_stripes_red FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 FFFFFF FFFFFF Wigan _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Steve HampsonRW 2Dean BellCE 3David StephensonCE 4Joe LydonLW 5Henderson GillSO 6Shaun EdwardsSH 7Mike FordPR 8Graeme West (c)HK 9Martin DermottPR 10Brian CaseSR 11Ian RobertsSR 12Ian PotterLF 13Andy GoodwaySubstitutions:IC 14Nick Du ToitIC 15Rob LouwCoach:NZL Graham Lowe FB 1 Garry JackLW 2 Michael O'ConnorCE 3 Gene MilesCE 4 Brett KennyRW 5 Les KissFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Peter SterlingPR 8 Steve RoachHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Bryan NieblingSR 11 Paul SironenSR 12 Noel ClealLK 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Les DavidsonCoach:AUS 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.1986 Kangaroo Tour - Wigan vs Australia (full game) 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 Hull KR 16 10 – 46 Hull KR vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Kerry Boustead Goals: John Dorahy (3/3) Tries: Terry Lamb (5), Ben Elias (2), Paul Langmack, Chris Mortimer Goals: Terry Lamb (3/3) Mal Meninga (2/4) Craven Park, Hull 6,868 Gerry Kershaw Terry Lamb _whiteshoulders _redhorizontal _whiteshoulders _color_3_stripes_white FF0000 FFFFFF FF0000 FFFFFF FF0000 Hull KR _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1George Fairbairn (c)RW 2Garry ClarkCE 3John DorahyCE 4Kerry BousteadLW 5David LawsSO 6Mike SmithSH 7Wayne ParkerPR 8Mark BroadhurstHK 9Chris RuddPR 10Asuquo EmaSR 11Andy KellySR 12Des HarrisonLF 13Paul SpeckmanSubstitutions:IC 14Ray SteadIC 15Dave BusbyCoach:ENG Roger Millward FB 1 Gary BelcherLW 2 Chris MortimerCE 3 Gene MilesCE 4 Mal MeningaRW 5 Dale ShearerFE 6 Terry LambHB 7 Des HaslerPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Benny Elias (c)PR 10 Martin BellaSR 11 Steve FolkesSR 12 Paul DunnLK 13 Paul LangmackSubstitutions:IC 14 Greg AlexanderIC 15 Les DavidsonCoach:AUS 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.1986 Kangaroo Tour - Hull KR vs Australia (full game) Sunday, 19 October Leeds Leeds 16 0 – 40 Leeds vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Goals: David Creasser (0/1) Tries: Michael O'Connor (2), Wally Lewis (2), Garry Jack, Noel Cleal, Greg Dowling, Brett Kenny Goals: Michael O'Connor (4/8) Headingley, Leeds 11,389 Robin Whitfield _blue_hoops _Leeds1986 _blue_hoops _Leeds1986 FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF Leeds _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Paul GillRW 2David CreasserCE 3Andrew EttingshausenCE 4Mark McGawLW 5Norman FrancisSO 6John HolmesSH 7Andy GascoignePR 8Jeff GrayshonHK 9Bob MorrisPR 10Peter SmithSR 11Phil OwenSR 12Gary PriceLF 13David Heron (c)Substitutions:IC 14Paul MedleyIC 15Trevor SkerrettCoach:ENG Peter Fox FB 1 Garry JackRW 2 Les KissCE 3 Brett KennyCE 4 Gene MilesLW 5 Michael O'ConnorFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Peter SterlingPR 8 Steve RoachHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Bryan NieblingSR 11 Paul SironenSR 12 Noel ClealLK 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Greg DowlingCoach:AUS 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.1986 Leeds vs Australia highlights Tuesday, 21 October Cumbria Cumbria 12 – 48 Cumbria vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Graeme Cameron, Les Holliday Goals: Graeme Cameron (2) 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 4,233 John McDonald Les Davidson _butcher stripes white _butcher stripes white _butcher stripes white _hoops_black 000000 000000 000000 FFFFFF FFFFFF Cumbria _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1 Gary SmithRW 2 Michael JamesCE 3 Kevin PapeCE 4 Tony KayLW 5 David BeckSO 6 Graeme Cameron (c)SH 7 David CairnsPR 8 David KendallHK 9 Colin FalconPR 10 Jeff SimpsonSR 11 Stephen MossopSR 12 Les HollidayLF 13 Milton HuddartSubstitutions:IC 14 Norman LofthouseIC 15 Bill PattisonCoach: FB 1 Gary BelcherRW 2 Dale ShearerCE 3 Chris MortimerCE 4 Mal MeningaLW 5 Michael O'ConnorFE 6 Terry LambHB 7 Greg AlexanderPR 8 Phil DaleyHK 9 Benny Elias (c)PR 10 Martin BellaSR 11 Paul DunnSR 12 Les DavidsonLK 13 Paul LangmackSubstitutions:IC 14 Paul SironenIC 15Coach:AUS 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 1947.1947 England vs New Zealand at Rugby League ProjectRugby league 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.McGregor Adrian Simply The Best: The 1990 Kangaroos 1991 University of Queensland Press Qld 0-7022-2370-0 227 Tour Statistics1948/49 Ashes series at Rugby League Project #eeeeee GBR AUS 16 – 38 1st Test - Great Britain vs Australia Tries: Garry Schofield Joe Lydon Tony Marchant Goals: Lee Crooks (1/3) Henderson Gill (1/1) Tries: Gene Miles (3) Michael O'Connor (3) Garry Jack Goals: Michael O'Connor (5/9) Saturday, 25 October 1986 Old Trafford, Manchester 50,583 Julien Rascagnères FRA Wally Lewis _GBR1985 _band_red FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 0000FF 0000FF Great Britain _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1 Joe LydonRW 2 Tony MarchantRC 3 Garry SchofieldLC 4 Ellery HanleyLW 5 Henderson GillSO 6 Tony MylerSH 7 Deryck FoxPR 8 Kevin WardHK 9 David Watkinson (c)PR 10 John FieldhouseSR 11 Lee CrooksSR 12 Ian PotterLK 13 Andy GoodwaySubstitutions:IC 14 Shaun EdwardsIC 15 Andy PlattCoach:ENG Maurice Bamford FB 1 Garry JackLW 2 Michael O'ConnorRC 3 Brett KennyLC 4 Gene MilesRW 5 Les KissFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Peter SterlingPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Steve RoachSR 11 Noel ClealSR 12 Bryan NieblingLF 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Mal MeningaCoach:AUS 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 Halifax 16 2 – 36 Halifax vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Goals: Colin Whitfield (1/3) Tries: Greg Alexander (2), Terry Lamb (2), Gary Belcher, Brett Kenny, Mal Meninga Goals: Terry Lamb (4/7) Thrum Hall, Halifax 7,193 Mick Beaumont Greg Alexander _blue_hoops _bluehoops _blue_hoops _hoops_blue FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF Halifax _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Graham EadieRW 2Scott WilsonCE 3Colin WhitfieldCE 4Chris Anderson (c)LW 5Steve SmithSO 6Neil HagueSH 7Gary StephensPR 8Keith NellerHK 9Chris PreecePR 10Brian JuliffSR 11Peter BellSR 12Paul DixonLF 13Grant RixSubstitutions:IC 14Eddie RiddlesdenIC 15Coach:AUS Chris Anderson FB 1 Gary BelcherRW 2 Brett KennyCE 3 Chris MortimerCE 4 Mal MeningaLW 5 Noel ClealFE 6 Terry LambHB 7 Greg AlexanderPR 8 Paul DunnHK 9 Benny Elias (c)PR 10 Martin BellaSR 11 Paul SironenSR 12 Les DavidsonLK 13 Paul LangmackSubstitutions:IC 14 Michael O'ConnorIC 15Coach:AUS 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 St Helens 16 8 – 32 St Helens vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Goals: Paul Loughlin (4) Tries: Dale Shearer (2), Noel Cleal, Mal Meninga, Gene Miles, Bryan Niebling Goals: Mal Meninga (3) Terry Lamb (1) Knowsley Road, St. Helens 15,381 Fred Lindop _redborder _Vwidered _redborder _2 red stripes FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF St Helens _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Phil VeiversRW 2Barry LedgerCE 3Paul LoughlinCE 4Steve HalliwellLW 5Kevin McCormackSO 6Brett ClarkSH 7Neil Holding (c)PR 8Tony BurkeHK 9Graham LiptrotPR 10Paul ForberSR 11Roy HeggertySR 12Andy PlattLF 13Chris ArkwrightSubstitutions:IC 14Shaun AllenIC 15Paul RoundCoach:ENG Alex Murphy FB 1 Garry JackRW 2 Dale ShearerCE 3 Brett KennyCE 4 Gene MilesLW 5 Mal MeningaFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Peter SterlingPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Steve RoachSR 11 Noel ClealSR 12 Bryan NeiblingLK 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Paul DunnCoach:AUS 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 Oldham 16 16 – 22 Oldham vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Colin Hawkyard, Des Foy Goals: Mick Worrall (3/5) David Hobbs (1/1) Tries: Terry Lamb (2), Ben Elias, Greg Alexander Goals: Michael O'Connor (3/6) Mal Meninga (0/1) The Watersheddings, Oldham 5,678 Mick Beaumont _thinredhoops _thinredhoops _thinredhoops _hoops_red FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 0A3876 0A3876 Oldham _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Jeff EdwardsRW 2Paul ShermanCE 3Des FoyCE 4Gary WarneckeLW 5Hussein M'BarkiSO 6David Topliss (c)SH 7Ray AshtonPR 8Bruce ClarkHK 9Terry FlanaganPR 10Neil ClawsonSR 11David HobbsSR 12Mick WorrallLF 13Stuart RaperSubstitutions:IC 14Colin HawkyardIC 15Tony NadioleCoach:ENG Frank Myler FB 1 Gary BelcherRW 2 Dale ShearerCE 3 Chris MortimerCE 4 Mal MeningaLW 5 Michael O'ConnorFE 6 Terry LambHB 7 Greg AlexanderPR 8 Phil DaleyHK 9 Benny Elias (c)PR 10 Martin BellaSR 11 Steve FolkesSR 12 Les DavidsonLK 13 Paul LangmackSubstitutions:IC 14 Paul SironenIC 15Coach:AUS 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. #eeeeee GBR AUS 4 – 34 2nd Test - Great Britain vs Australia Tries: Garry Schofield Goals: Lee Crooks (0/1) Tries: Garry Jack (2) Bob Lindner Michael O'Connor Wally Lewis Brett Kenny Goals: Michael O'Connor (5/8) Saturday, 8 November 1986 Elland Road, Leeds 30,808 Julien Rascagnères FRA Noel Cleal _GBR1985 FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 0000FF 0000FF Great Britain _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1 Joe LydonRW 2 Barry LedgerRC 3 Garry SchofieldLC 4 Tony MarchantLW 5 Henderson GillSO 6 Tony MylerSH 7 Deryck FoxPR 8 Kevin WardHK 9 David Watkinson (c)PR 10 John FieldhouseSR 11 Lee CrooksSR 12 Ian PotterLK 13 Andy GoodwaySubstitutions:IC 14 Shaun EdwardsIC 15 Andy PlattCoach:ENG Maurice Bamford FB 1 Garry JackLW 2 Michael O'ConnorRC 3 Brett KennyLC 4 Gene MilesRW 5 Dale ShearerFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Peter SterlingPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Paul DunnSR 11 Noel ClealSR 12 Bryan NieblingLF 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Mal MeningaCoach:AUS 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 16 4 – 20 Widnes vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Goals: Mick Burke (2) Tries: Greg Alexander, Martin Bella, Chris Mortimer Goals: Terry Lamb (2) Mal Meninga (2) Naughton Park, Widnes 10,268 Geoff Berry _blackshoulders _blackcollar _blackshoulders _band_black FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 000000 FFFFFF Widnes _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Mick BurkeRW 2Dave MoranCE 3Darren WrightCE 4Barry DowdLW 5John BasnettSO 6Tony Myler (c)SH 7David HulmePR 8Steve O'NeillHK 9Phil McKenziePR 10Mike O'NeillSR 11Richard EyresSR 12Paul HulmeLF 13Harry PinnerSubstitutions:IC 14IC 15Coach:ENG Doug Laughton FB 1 Gary BelcherRW 2 Dale ShearerCE 3 Chris MortimerCE 4 Mal MeningaLW 5 Les KissFE 6 Terry LambHB 7 Greg AlexanderPR 8 Les DavidsonHK 9 Benny Elias (c)PR 10 Martin BellaSR 11 Paul SironenSR 12 Steve FolkesLK 13 Paul LangmackSubstitutions:IC 14 Brett KennyIC 15 Phil DaleyCoach:AUS Don Furner Sunday, 16 November Hull F.C. Hull 16 0 – 48 Hull vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Goals: 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 8,231 John McDonald _thin_blackhoops _butcher stripes white _thin_blackhoops FFFFFF 000000 FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF Hull F.C. _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Gary KembleRW 2Paul EastwoodCE 3Dane O'HaraCE 4Stewart VassLW 5Carl McCoidSO 6Fred Ah KuoiSH 7Phil WindleyPR 8Dave BrownHK 9Steve CrooksPR 10Andy DannattSR 11Steve NortonSR 12Lee Crooks (c)LF 13Tracy LazenbySubstitutions:IC 14Gary PearceIC 15Jon SharpCoach:ENG Len Casey FB 1 Garry JackRW 2 Dale ShearerCE 3 Gene MilesCE 4 Mal MeningaLW 5 Michael O'ConnorFE 6 Terry LambHB 7 Peter Sterling (c)PR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Phil DaleySR 11 Noel ClealSR 12 Bryan NeiblingLK 13 Paul LangmackSubstitutions:IC 14 Des HaslerIC 15 Les DavidsonCoach:AUS 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 teammate 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 teammate 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 Bradford 16 0 – 38 Bradford Northern vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Tries: Goals: Tries: Bob Lindner, Greg Alexander, Chris Mortimer, Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Terry Lamb, Brett Kenny Goals: Greg Alexander (5) Odsal Stadium, Bradford 10,633 Derek Fox _Bradford86 FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF Bradford Northern _goldborder _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Keith Mumby (c)RW 2Phil FordCE 3Steve DonlanCE 4Phil HellewellLW 5Roger SimpsonSO 6John WoodsSH 7Terry HolmesPR 8Ian HowcroftHK 9Gary BrentleyPR 10Mario FenechSR 11Dick JasiewiczSR 12Karl FairbankLF 13Mal GrahamSubstitutions:IC 14Brian NobleIC 15Ian SherrattCoach:ENG Barry Seabourne FB 1 Gary BelcherLW 2 Greg AlexanderCE 3 Brett KennyCE 4 Chris MortimerRW 5 Dale ShearerFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Des HaslerPR 8 Paul DunnHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Martin BellaSR 11 Les DavidsonSR 12 Paul SironenLK 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Mal MeningaCoach:AUS 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. #eeeeee GBR AUS 15 – 24 3rd Test - Great Britain vs Australia Tries: Garry Schofield (2) Goals: Joe Lydon (2/3) Henderson Gill (1/1) Field Goals: Garry Schofield (1) Tries: Gene Miles Bob Lindner Dale Shearer (PT) Wally Lewis Goals: Michael O'Connor (4/5) Saturday, 22 November 1986 Central Park, Wigan 20,169 Julien Rascagnères FRA Paul Dunn _GBR1985 _band_red FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 0000FF 0000FF Great Britain _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1 Joe LydonLW 2 Henderson GillRC 3 Garry SchofieldLC 4 David StephensonRW 5 John BasnettSO 6 Tony MylerSH 7 Andy GregoryPR 8 Kevin WardHK 9 David Watkinson (c)PR 10 Lee CrooksSR 11 Chris BurtonSR 12 Andy GoodwayLK 13 Harry PinnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Shaun EdwardsIC 15 Ian PotterCoach:ENG Maurice Bamford FB 1 Garry JackLW 2 Michael O'ConnorRC 3 Brett KennyLC 4 Gene MilesRW 5 Dale ShearerFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Peter SterlingPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Paul DunnSR 11 Mal MeningaSR 12 Bryan NieblingLF 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Les DavidsonCoach:AUS 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 and when lock forward Bob Lindner also scored soon after, plus both tries being successfully converted by Michael O'Connor, saw the Kangaroos race to a 12–0 lead 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 possible winners for the first time in the series. The game was in the balance until French referee Julien Rascagneres, refereeing the 9th and ultimately last Test match of his career, 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 16 4 – 36 Australia 16 Australia Parc des Princes, Paris 800 First Test #eeeeee FRA AUS 2 – 44 1st Test - France vs Australia Tries: Goals: Gilles Dumas (1/2) Tries: Michael O'Connor (3) Bob Lindner (2) Gene Miles (2) Garry Jack Goals: Michael O'Connor (4/9) Sunday, 30 November 1986 Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan 6,000 Fred Lindop ENG Michael O'Connor _francerl80s _francerl82 _francerl80s _redtop 0000CD 0000CD 0000CD FFFFFF 0000CD France _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Gilles DumasRW 2Didier CoustonRC 3Roger PalissesLC 4Alain MauryLW 5Hugues RatierSO 6Dominique EspugnaSH 7Patrick EntatPR 8Max ChantalHK 9Thierry BernabéPR 10Jean-Luc RabotSR 11Guy Laforgue (c)SR 12Serge TiteuxLK 13Daniel VerdesSubstitutions:IC 14Serge BretIC 15Francis LaforgueCoach: FB 1 Garry JackRW 2 Dale ShearerRC 3 Brett KennyLC 4 Gene MilesLW 5 Michael O'ConnorFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Peter SterlingPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Paul DunnSR 11 Les DavidsonSR 12 Bryan NieblingLF 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Paul SironenCoach:AUS Don Furner Wednesday, 3 December Le Pontet XIII 5 – 42 Le Pontet XIII vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Stade de Fargues, Le Pontet 2,500 Friday, 5 December Midi-Pyrénées XIII Midi-Pyrénées 16 2 – 12 Midi-Pyrénées vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Stade des Minimes, Toulouse 1,500 Sunday, 7 December France B France 16 0 – 50 France B vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Stade Municipal d'Albi, Albi 2,000 Wednesday, 10 December Aquitaine Aquitaine 16 8 – 50 Aquitaine vs Australia Australia 16 Australia Stade Max Rousie, Villeneuve-sur-Lot 500 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. Unbeaten Kangaroos the 'Best Ever' The Sydney Morning Herald 39 Fairfax Digital 1986-12-15 http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&docID=news861215_0108_9422 2009-10-061986 Kangaroo tour results at Rugby League Project #eeeeee FRA AUS 0 – 52 2nd Test - France vs Australia Tries: Goals: Tries: Dale Shearer (4) Garry Jack (3) Steve Folkes Bryan Niebling Michael O'Connor Goals: Michael O'Connor (6/10) Saturday, 13 December Stade d'Albert Domec, Carcassonne 5,000 Fred Lindop ENG Dale Shearer _francerl80s _francerl82 _francerl80s _redtop 0000CD 0000CD 0000CD FFFFFF 0000CD France _goldborder_2 _kangaroos1 _goldborder _thingoldsides _hoops_gold 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 023E00 Australia FB 1Patrick WosniakRW 2Sebastian RodriguezRC 3Philippe FourquetLC 4Francis LaforgueLW 5Hugues RatierSO 6Roger PalissesSH 7Christian ScicchitanoPR 8Max ChantalHK 9Thierry BernabéPR 10Serge TiteuxSR 11Guy Laforgue (c)SR 12Daniel VerdesLK 13Philippe GestasSubstitutions:IC 14Gilles DumasIC 15Yves StorerCoach: FB 1 Garry JackRW 2 Dale ShearerRC 3 Brett KennyLC 4 Gene MilesLW 5 Michael O'ConnorFE 6 Wally Lewis (c)HB 7 Peter SterlingPR 8 Greg DowlingHK 9 Royce SimmonsPR 10 Paul DunnSR 11 Steve FolkesSR 12 Bryan NieblingLF 13 Bob LindnerSubstitutions:IC 14 Terry LambIC 15 Les DavidsonCoach:AUS Don Furner Statistics Leading Try Scorer 19 by Terry Lamb Leading Point Scorer 170 by Michael O'Connor (13 tries, 59 goals) Largest Attendance 50,583 - First test vs Great Britain at Old Trafford Largest Club Game Attendance 30,662 - Wigan vs Australia at Central Park References 30em External links 1986 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain and France at rl1908.com 1986 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain and France at rlhalloffame.org.uk Ashes Series 1986 at rugbyleagueproject.com 1986 Kangaroos at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Invincibles Again: 1986 Kangaroo Tour highlights Pt.1 Invincibles Again: 1986 Kangaroo Tour highlights Pt.2 Kangaroo Tour Kangaroo Tour Kan Category:Rugby league tours of France Category:Rugby league tours of Great Britain Category:Australia national rugby league team tours Category:1986 in Papua New Guinea rugby league