Kiwis face tough tour to Britain and France

Press, 14 May 1985, Page 40

Kiwis face tough tour to Britain and France

By

JOHN COFFEY

New Zealand’s rugby league representatives have been offered only the highest calibre of opposition for their tour of Britain and France later this year. It would hardly be surprising if the N.Z.R.L. directors turn a little pale when their president, Mr Ron McGregor, returns from England with the proposed itinerary. Britain has recommended three tests, a game against the national under-21 team, three county fixtures, and meetings with the six highest-ranked clubs. Perhaps in recognition of New Zealand’s present high standing within the sport, the Kiwis have not even been favoured with the traditional “easy” game

against a second division club to start the tour. Instead, the Kiwis are scheduled to make their debut against the Challenge Cup winner, Wigan, at Central Park on October 6. The other clubs rewarded with tour fixtures are Hull Kingston Rovers, St Helens, Leeds, Widnes and Hull. The Kiwis move on to France on November 18 and begin that section of their trip against a French Military Selection in Paris two days later. There are two tests and five other matches in France — including a game against the Koalas, a squad of French-domiciled Australians.

The itinerary will not be official until approved by the N.Z.R.L. However, it is unusual for a visiting country’s officials to disagree

with the suggestions of their hosts. If there is a reservation, it will 'be because of the toughness of the opening fixture.

The proposed itinerary is.—

In Britain — October 6, v. Wigan; 9, v. Britain under 21; 13, v. Hull Kingston Rovers; 15, v. Cumbria; 19, first test; 23, v. Yorkshire; 27, v. St Helens; 29, v. Leeds; November 2, second test; 5, v. Widnes; 9, third test; 13, v. Lancashire; 17, v. Hull. In France — November 20, v. French Military Selection at Paris; 24, first test at Marseilles; 27, v. Koalas at Toulouse; 29, v. Local Selection at Carcassonne; December 1, v. Catalans at Perpignan; 4, v. Area Selection at Bordeaux; 8, second test at Narbonne.