1998 Anzac Test


The 1998 Anzac test was a rugby league test match played between Australia and New Zealand at the North Harbour Stadium 24 April 1998. It was the 2nd Anzac test played between the two nations since the first was played under the Super League banner in 1997 and the first to be played in New Zealand.
Australia led 12-6 at half time after two tries to Terry Hill while Kevin Iro crossed for the home side, but the Kiwis came back thanks to two tries after half time by Sean Hoppe and Terry Hermansson which saw NZ lead 18-12. After Steve Renouf scored with only his 3rd touch of the game midway through the second half, the game was in the balance with the score at 18-16. Kevin Iro then put the result beyond doubt with his second try with 2 minutes remaining to give the home side a 22-16 win in front of an almost full house of 24,620 fans. This was New Zealand's first win over Australia since the first test of the 1991 Trans-Tasman Test series at the Olympic Park Stadium in Melbourne.

Squads

Although Rodney Howe, Brad Thorn and Darren Lockyer had played Super League Tests for Australia in 1997, according to official Australian Rugby League records which do not recognise any test match played under the Super League banner, they along with Mat Rogers made their test debuts for Australia in this game.
New ZealandPositionAustralia
Matthew Ridge Robbie O'Davis
Sean HoppeWendell Sailor
Richie BlackmoreTerry Hill
Ruben WikiSteve Renouf
Richie BarnettMat Rogers
Robbie PaulLaurie Daley
Stacey JonesAndrew Johns
John LomaxRodney Howe
Henry PaulGeoff Toovey
Quentin PongiaPaul Harragon
Jarrod McCrackenSteve Menzies
Tony IroBrad Thorn
Logan SwannBrad Fittler
Nigel VaganaInterchangeDarren Lockyer
Terry HermanssonInterchangeNik Kosef
Kevin IroInterchangeGlenn Lazarus
Joe VaganaInterchangeDean Pay
Frank EndacottCoachBob Fulton

Match summary