New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League Tour of 1993: Great Britain and France
Overview
The New Zealand Kiwis embarked on a Rugby League tour to Great Britain and France in 1993, showcasing their strength in international competition. This tour was notable for the intense matches played against quality opposition, demonstrating both individual brilliance and collective team effort.
Schedule and Results
The tour consisted of a mix of Test matches and tour games against club and representative teams across Great Britain and France. Below is a breakdown of the significant fixtures and outcomes:
Great Britain Leg
First Test (October 23, 1993) - Wembley Stadium, London
Result: Great Britain 17 - 0 New Zealand
Key Moments:
Great Britain dominated defensively, shutting out the Kiwis.
Shaun Edwards’ strategic playmaking proved pivotal.
New Zealand struggled with handling errors and penalty counts.
Second Test (November 6, 1993) - Old Trafford, Manchester
Result: Great Britain 29 - 10 New Zealand
Key Moments:
Gary Connolly scored two tries for Great Britain.
New Zealand’s response, led by Jarrod McCracken, came too late.
Dominance in the forwards from Great Britain set the platform for victory.
Third Test (November 13, 1993) - Headingley, Leeds
Result: Great Britain 10 - 0 New Zealand
Key Moments:
The Kiwis showed improved defensive structure.
Great Britain sealed the series win through solid kicking and forward play.
France Leg
Test Match (November 20, 1993) - Carcassonne
Result: New Zealand 36 - 11 France
Key Moments:
New Zealand found form with a strong attacking performance.
Sean Hoppe scored a hat-trick of tries.
France struggled to contain the physicality and pace of the Kiwis.
Tour Matches:
Various matches against local clubs and provincial sides provided an opportunity for squad rotation and experimentation with team combinations. The Kiwis largely dominated these games, showcasing their depth.
Squad Analysis
Key Players
Gary Freeman (Captain): Freeman provided leadership and experience, guiding the team tactically during a challenging tour.
Sean Hoppe: Hoppe’s explosive speed and ability to finish made him a standout performer, particularly in the France leg.
Jarrod McCracken: A physical presence in the centres, McCracken often led the charge in defensive and attacking plays.
Quentin Pongia: His hard-nosed approach in the forwards gave New Zealand a tough edge, particularly in the ruck.
Squad Depth
The touring squad featured a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents:
Forwards: Quentin Pongia, Hitro Okesene, Stephen Kearney, Brendon Tuuta
Backs: Gary Freeman, Sean Hoppe, Jarrod McCracken, Richie Blackmore
Several young players used the tour to establish themselves, gaining invaluable experience despite the mixed results.
Tactical Analysis
Strengths
Forward Dominance:
The Kiwis relied heavily on their forwards to establish control, particularly against France where they dominated possession.
Counter-Attacking Play:
Speed in the backs allowed for effective counter-attacks, especially in broken play situations.
Weaknesses
Inconsistency in Execution:
Handling errors and penalties were a recurring issue, particularly against Great Britain.
Lack of Scoring Opportunities:
The Kiwis struggled to convert pressure into points during the Great Britain Tests, evident in their scoreless performances in two games.
Legacy and Impact
Although the Kiwis faced a challenging series against Great Britain, the tour was instrumental in developing the team’s cohesion and exposing younger players to high-level international competition. The victory over France highlighted the potential within the squad, setting a platform for future campaigns.
The 1993 tour remains a significant chapter in New Zealand’s rugby league history, reflecting both the challenges and resilience of the Kiwis on the international stage.
Own a Piece of History
If you’re a Kiwis fan or a collector of rugby memorabilia, this shirt is a must-have. Celebrate the teams journey and the players who helped shape it by adding an old Kiwis jersey to your collection. See the shirts, click the link below
https://www.classicrugbyshirts.com/new-zealand-kiwis-396-c.asp?_=&sortby=name
