# 1979 Great Britain Lions tour

The 1979 Great Britain Lions tour was the Great Britain national rugby league team's 16th tour of Australasia and took place from May to August 1979. A total of 27 matches were played against local club and representative sides during the tour, including a three match Test match series against Australia and New Zealand respectively.

## Touring squad

In March 1979, a 30-man squad was selected for the tour, with Doug Laughton appointed as captain. The squad included Widnes prop Jim Mills, who was banned from playing in New Zealand due to an incident in 1975 when Mills played for Wales against New Zealand. Despite an appeal to overturn the ban, the International Board confirmed the ban would be upheld.
After the squad was selected, John Bevan and Stuart Wright were forced to withdraw due to injury, and were replaced by Roy Mathias and David Barends. Ken Kelly also suffered an injury shortly before the tour departed, and was replaced by John Holmes.
| Name | Position | Club | Apps | Tests | Tries | Goals | Drop goals | Points |
| Mick Adams | Forward | Widnes | 16 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 17 |
| David Barends | Back | Bradford Northern | 16 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| John Burke | Forward | Wakefield Trinity | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Len Casey | Forward | Bradford Northern | 14 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Steve Evans | Back | Featherstone Rovers | 19 | 6 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 48 |
| George Fairbairn | Back | Wigan | 10 | 5 | 3 | 18 | 1 | 46 |
| Peter Glynn | Back | St Helens | 15 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Jeff Grayshon | Forward | Bradford Northern | 14 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Phil Hogan | Forward | Hull Kingston Rovers | 14 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| John Holmes | Back | Leeds | 13 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Eric Hughes | Back | Widnes | 17 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Melvyn James | Forward | St Helens | 13 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| John Joyner | Back | Castleford | 14 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Doug Laughton (c) | Forward | Widnes | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Graham Liptrot | Forward | St Helens | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Brian Lockwood | Forward | Hull Kingston Rovers | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Tommy Martyn | Forward | Warrington | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Roy Mathias | Back | St Helens | 17 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| Jim Mills | Forward | Widnes | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Roger Millward | Back | Hull Kingston Rovers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| Keith Mumby | Back | Bradford Northern | 13 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 19 |
| Steve Nash | Back | Salford | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| George Nicholls | Forward | St Helens | 13 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Steve Norton | Forward | Hull | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alan Redfearn | Back | Bradford Northern | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Trevor Skerrett | Forward | Wakefield Trinity | 12 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Mike Smith | Back | Hull Kingston Rovers | 11 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Gary Stephens | Back | Castleford | 15 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Charlie Stone | Forward | Hull | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| David Topliss | Back | Wakefield Trinity | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| David Ward | Forward | Leeds | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| David Watkinson | Forward | Hull Kingston Rovers | 12 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| John Woods | Back | Leigh | 17 | 4 | 12 | 67 | 1 | 171 |

## Results
### Australia

* 25 May 1979
| North Queensland | 5 – 29 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Ron Clark Goals: Ron Clark (1) | Report | Tries: John Woods (2), Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Gary Stephens, David Watkinson Goals: John Woods (5) Drop goals: John Woods (1) |
* John Breen Park, Mackay Attendance: 6,200 Referee: Graham Reed
North Queensland: Frank Daisy, S. Bax, Michael Windeatt, Ron Clark, Rob Gallagher, M. Aguis, N. Appo, Trevor Deakin, Bob Abbott, Nick Moroko, Vern Daisy, John Kynaston, Peter Luppi (c). Reserves – Bruce Barclay, Greg Dowling. Coach – Peter Luppi
Great Britain: Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, John Woods, Roy Mathias, Steve Evans, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Doug Laughton (c). Reserves – Mike Smith, Mel James
* 27 May 1979
| Central Queensland | 11 – 20 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Jamie Mitchell Goals: Lionel Cullen (4) | Report | Tries: Tommy Martyn (2), Eric Hughes, John Joyner Goals: Roger Millward (4/5) |
* Rockhampton Showgrounds, Rockhampton Attendance: 3,307 Referee: Noel Smith
Central Queensland: Greg Rehbein, Lionel Cullen, Greg Reynolds, Michael Goode, Chris Downie, Stuart Nobbs, Geoff Cowburn, Alan Cruasaz, Gordon Reid, Terry Farrar, Jamie Mitchell, John Bidgood, Graham Horstman. Reserves – Trevor Johnson. Coach – Paul Barrett
Great Britain: Peter Glynn, Phil Hogan, Eric Hughes, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, Roger Millward (c), Steve Nash, Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves – John Joyner, David Watkinson
* 30 May 1979
| Wide Bay | 7 – 27 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Duncan Campbell Goals: Doug Kelly (1) Mike Rosin (1) | Report | Tries: Steve Evans (2), Roy Mathias, Jim Mills Goals: John Woods (6) |
* Eskdale Park, Maryborough Attendance: 2,969 Referee: Bert Holland
Wide Bay: Mike Rosin, Dean jeffries, Pat O'Brien, Doug Kelly, Duncan Campbell, Greg Sutton, Ernie Edwards (c), Brian Geary, Bill Foreman, Billy Trevor, Kim McKenna, Bryan Niebling, Butch Cox. Reserves – Greg Henry, John Curran. Coach –
Great Britain: Roger Millward, Roy Mathias, Eric Hughes, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Steve Evans, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, David Watkinson, Charlie Stone, George Nicholls, Tommy Martyn, Doug Laughton (c). Reserves – Phil Hogan
* 2 June 1979
| NSW North Coast | 6 – 33 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Phil Amidy, Errol Ruprecht | Report | Tries: Steve Evans (2), Phil Hogan (2), Roy Mathias (2), Trevor Skerrett Goals: John Woods (6) |
* Les Burger Field, Tweed Heads Attendance: 4,871
North Coast: Garry Chapman, Steve Bartier, Lance Randall, Greg Pensini, Gary Paxton, Phil Amidy, Tony Kennedy, Tony Price, Errol Ruprecht, Gary McQuillan, Rod Pattison, David Clay, Greg Warwick. Reserves – Gary Donnelly, David Welsh. Coach –
Great Britain: John Woods, Mike Smith, John Joyner, Phil Hogan, Roy Mathias, Steve Evans, Steve Nash, Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Mick Adams, Trevor Skerrett, Steve Norton (c). Reserves – Alan Redfearn, Jeff Grayshon
* 5 June 1979
| Northern Division | 11 – 20 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Les Cleal Goals: Bernie Briggs (4) | Report | Tries: David Barends, Peter Glynn, Keith Mumby Goals: John Woods (5/6) Drop goals: Mick Adams |
* Scully Park, Tamworth Attendance: 7,600 Referee: Les Ballard
Northern Division: Robert Thomas, Les Cleal, Brian Walden, Bernie Briggs, Noel Cleal, Shane Matthews, Wayne Smith, Len Reardon, Maurice Thompson, Mick Lewis, Ian Kearney, Jim Leis, Tony Dean. Reserves – Gary Whackett, Phil Coleman. Coach – Don Adams
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Roger Millward (c), Gary Stephens, Mel James, David Ward, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Jeff Grayshon, Len Casey. Reserves – Eric Hughes, Mick Adams
* 8 June 1979
| Queensland Firsts | 19 – 25 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Colin Scott (2), Rohan Hancock Goals: Ian Dauth (5) | Report | Tries: David Barends, Steve Evans, John Joyner, Jim Mills, George Nicholls Goals: John Woods (5/6) |
* Lang Park, Brisbane Attendance: 5,000 Referee: Joe Ticehurst
Queensland: Colin Scott, Brad Backer, Mark Payne, Chris Close, Ian Dauth, Alan Smith, Larry Brigginshaw, Peter Apps, Jay Hoffman, Rohan Hancock, Greg Platz (c), Bob Cock, Norm Carr. Reserves – Wally Lewis, Wayne Lindenberg. Coach – John McDonald
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Joyner, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, John Woods, Alan Redfearn, Jim Mills, David Ward, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Doug Laughton (c), Steve Norton. Reserves – Steve Evans, Len Casey
* 10 June 1979
| Toowoomba | 19 – 16 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Trevor Dunemann Goals: Warren Green (8/11) | Report | Tries: Len Casey, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, Steve Nash Goals: Keith Mumby (2) |
* Athletic Oval, Toowoomba Attendance: 5,500 Referee: Ron Manson
Toowoomba: Cec Docherty, Mike Williams, Alan Smith, Wayne Balderson, Warren Green, Mick Ryan, Greg Robison, Rohan Hancock, Joel Duke, Ian Lindenmeyer, Peter Connell, Greg Platz (c), Trevor Dunemann. Reserves – Willy Weatherall, Scott Barkla, Wayne Jensen, Murray Challinor. Coach – Jeff Gill
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Peter Glynn, Phil Hogan, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Steve Nash, Mel James, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood (c), Tommy Martyn, Len Casey, Mick Adams. Reserves – Gary Stephens, Graham Liptrot, Jeff Grayshon

#### First Test

Greek born Canterbury-Bankstown hooker George Peponis became just the second player to captain the Australian team despite not being born in Australia, taking over from the first player to do so, the recently retired Warrington born 1978 Kangaroo tour captain Bob Fulton.
* 16 June 1979
| Australia | 35 – 0 | Great Britain |
| Tries: Kerry Boustead (2) Ray Price (2) Larry Corowa Goals: Michael Cronin (10/11) | | |
* Lang Park, Brisbane Attendance: 23,051 Referee: Eddie Ward Player of the Match: Ray Price
| Australia | Position | Great Britain |
| Graham Eadie | FB | John Woods |
| Larry Corowa | WG | David Barends |
| Steve Rogers | CE | John Joyner |
| Michael Cronin | CE | Eric Hughes |
| Kerry Boustead | WG | Roy Mathias |
| Alan Thompson | FE/SO | John Holmes |
| Tom Raudonikis | HB/SH | Gary Stephens |
| Rod Morris | PR | Trevor Skerrett |
| George Peponis (c) | HK | David Ward |
| Craig Young | PR | Jim Mills |
| Rod Reddy | SR | Doug Laughton (c) |
| Les Boyd | SR | George Nicholls |
| Ray Price | LK/LF | Steve Norton |
| | Int. | Steve Evans |
| | Int. | Phil Hogan |
| Frank Stanton | Coach | Eric Ashton |
* 18 June 1979
| Brisbane Firsts | 7 – 10 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Chris Close Goals: John Barber (2) | Report | Tries: David Barends, Tommy Martyn Goals: John Holmes (2) |
* Lang Park, Brisbane Attendance: 3,500 Referee: Joe Ticehurst
Brisbane Firsts: Peter Dutton, Terry Garside, Chris Close, Mal Meninga, Bligh Davidson, Mark Murray, Ross Strudwick, Dave Brown, John Lang, John Barber, J. McLoud, Des Morris (c), Norm Carr. Reserves – Mick Neill, Wally Lewis. Coach – Henry Holloway
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Eric Hughes, Peter Glynn, John Holmes, Alan Redfearn (c), Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Tommy Martyn, Len Casey. Reserves – Trevor Skerrett
* 20 June 1979
| NSW Southern Division | 0 – 10 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: John Burke, Peter Hall Goals: Jim Hindmarsh (2) | Report | Tries: Steve Evans, Roy Mathias Goals: Keith Mumby (2) |
* Orana Park, Campbelltown Attendance: 4,000 Referee: Kevin Riolo
Southern Division: Les Williams, Wayne Sharpe, Peter Hall, Peter Benny, Glen Fitzgibbon, Greg Martin, Les Hannah, John Burke, Connell Byrne, Ron Warren (c), Peter Jirgens, Steve Gilligan, Jim Hindmarsh. Reserves – Brad Murray, Daryl Warwick. Coach – John Armstrong
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Eric Hughes, Roy Mathias, Peter Glynn, Steve Nash, Mel James, David Watkinson, Brian Lockwood (c), Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Len Casey. Reserves – Jeff Grayshon
* 24 June 1979
| Newcastle Firsts | 12 – 25 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Doug Lucas, Ziggy Niszczot Goals: Pat Smith (3) | Report | Tries: David Barends, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Gary Stephens Goals: Mick Adams (5/7) |
* Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle Attendance: 14,570 Referee: Adrian Wilson
Newcastle Firsts: Jim Batey, Tony Filipuzzi, Neville Elwin, Owen Wallace, Ziggy Niszczot, Pat Smith (c), Rick Griffith, Dave Stafford, Allan Dagwell, Doug Lucas, Dave Edwards, Terry Donnelly, Peter Howlett. Reserves – Chris Lawler, Bob Everson. Coach – Allan Thomson
Great Britain:Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Joyner, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Charlie Stone, David Ward, Brian Lockwood (c), Jeff Grayshon, Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves – Steve Nash, Len Casey
* 26 June 1979
| Riverina | 10 – 37 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Phil Bishop (2) Goals: Robert Styles (2) | Report | Tries: Len Casey, Steve Evans, George Fairbairn, John Holmes, Steve Nash, David Watkinson, John Woods Goals: George Fairbairn (5/5) John Woods (3) |
* Eric Weissel Oval, Wagga Wagga Attendance: 8,403 Referee: Noel Bissett
Riverina: Robert Styles, Scott Hargrave, Anthony Wealand, Peter Rands (c), Brian Rosetto, Ernie Benton, Phil Bishop, Len Bertoldo, Larry Dimistrovsky, Brendon Lindsay, Greg Longhurst, Steve MacDonald, Ian O'Connell. Reserves – Greg Watt, Kerry Hemsley. Coach – Ron Crowe
Great Britain: George Fairbairn, David Barends, Steve Evans, John Woods, Eric Hughes (c), John Holmes, Steve Nash, John Burke, David Watkinson, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls, Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Roy Mathias, Len Casey

#### Second Test

* 30 June 1979
| Australia | 24 – 16 | Great Britain |
| Tries: Michael Cronin (2) Rod Reddy Steve Rogers Goals: Michael Cronin (6/9) | | Tries: Eric Hughes John Joyner Goals: John Woods (5/5) |
* Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Attendance: 26,857 Referee: Greg Hartley Player of the Match: Rod Reddy
| Australia | Position | Great Britain |
| Graham Eadie | FB | George Fairbairn |
| Larry Corowa | WG | David Barends |
| Steve Rogers | CE | John Joyner |
| Michael Cronin | CE | John Woods |
| Kerry Boustead | WG | Eric Hughes |
| Alan Thompson | FE/SO | John Holmes |
| Tom Raudonikis | HB/SH | Gary Stephens |
| Rod Morris | PR | Trevor Skerrett |
| George Peponis (c) | HK | David Ward |
| Craig Young | PR | George Nicholls (c) |
| Rod Reddy | SR | Jeff Grayshon |
| Les Boyd | SR | Len Casey |
| Ray Price | LK/LF | Mick Adams |
| | Int. | Steve Evans |
| | Int. | David Watkinson |
| Frank Stanton | Coach | Eric Ashton |
* 1 July 1979
| Illawarra Firsts | 13 – 18 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: John Penno, Tony Quirk, Kim Patrick (PT) Goals: Tony Quirk (2/7) | Report | Tries: Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Jeff Grayshon, Roy Mathias Goals: George Fairbairn (3/7) |
* Wollongong Showground, Wollongong Attendance: 3,994 Referee: Tom Gustard
Illawarra Firsts: Tony Quirk, John Penno, Noel Sunaklis, Tim Edwards, Shane McKellar, Terry Westblade, Rick Patrick, Allan Fallah, Michael Prest, Chris De Leva, Steve Calder (c), Kon Demos. Reserves – Kim Patrick, Tim McLaren. Coach – Johnny Greaves
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, George Fairbairn, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, Alan Redfearn (c), Gary Stephens, John Burke, David Watkinson, Charlie Stone, Graham Liptrot, Jeff Grayshon, Len Casey. Reserves – David Barends, Doug Laughton
* 4 July 1979
| Western Division NSW | 12 – 19 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Brian Johnston, John O'Connor Goals: Steve McWhirter (3) | Report | Tries: Phil Hogan, Gary Stephens, John Woods Goals: John Woods (5/5) |
* Wade Park, Orange Attendance: 4,500 Referee: Giles O'Donnell
Western Division: John O'Connor, David Michael, Brian Johnston, Brian Godfrey, Tom Bunsworth, Steve Hall, Steve McWhirter, Ross Gibson, Col Dennis, Roger Beetson, Ross McDermott, Gary Taylor (c), Luke Rosser. Reserves – Mike Fish, Marshall Peachey. Coach – Bob Weir
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Eric Hughes, David Topliss, Gary Stephens, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Roy Mathias, David Watkinson
* 7 July 1979
| NSW Firsts | 17 – 19 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Geoff Gerard (2), Terry Fahey Goals: John Dorahy (4) | Report | Tries: Steve Evans (2), George Fairbairn, John Woods Goals: John Woods (3) Drop goals: George Fairbairn (1) |
* Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Attendance: 8,902 Referee: Kevin Roberts
New South Wales: Allan McMahon, Neville Glover, John Dorahy, Peter Mortimer, Terry Fahey, Tony Trudgett, Steve Mortimer, Bruce Starkey, Ray Brown, Ron Hilditch, Steve Kneen, Geoff Gerard, Greg Pierce (c). Reserves – Steve Morris, Greg Cook. Coach – Frank Stanton
Great Britain: George Fairbairn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, John Woods, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, Trevor Skerrett, David Watkinson, George Nicholls (c), Jeff Grayshon, Phil Hogan, Mick Adams. Reserves – Steve Evans, David Ward
* 8 July 1979
| Monaro | 7 – 21 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Stan Jurd Goals: Wayne Brownlie (1) Peter McGrath (1) | Report | Tries: John Woods (2), Gary Stephens Goals: John Woods (6/6) |
* Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan Attendance: 6,500 Referee: Ray Collins
Monaro: Sam Vucago, Ross Knox, Simon Brockwell, Peter McGrath, David Hegarty, John Ballesty (c), Mick Schell, Stan Jurd, John Purcell, Doug Cameron, Ian Freeman, Wayne Brownlie, Colin Clarke. Reserves – Mike McCarthy, David Reid. Coach – Don Furner
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, John Woods, Mike Smith, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Jim Mills, Graham Liptrot, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Mick Adams, Steve Norton. Reserves –

#### Third Test

* 14 July 1979
| Australia | 28 – 2 | Great Britain |
| Tries: Les Boyd Graham Eadie Ray Price Rod Reddy Goals: Michael Cronin (8/13) | | Goals: George Fairbairn (1/1) |
* Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Attendance: 16,844 Referee: Eddie Ward Player of the Match: Ray Price
| Australia | Position | Great Britain |
| Graham Eadie | FB | George Fairbairn |
| Chris Anderson | WG | Eric Hughes |
| Steve Rogers | CE | John Joyner |
| Michael Cronin | CE | John Woods |
| Terry Fahey | WG | Steve Evans |
| Alan Thompson | FE/SO | David Topliss |
| Tom Raudonikis | HB/SH | Alan Redfearn |
| Craig Young | PR | George Nicholls (c) |
| George Peponis (c) | HK | David Ward |
| Rod Morris | PR | Len Casey |
| Rod Reddy | SR | Jeff Grayshon |
| Les Boyd | SR | Phil Hogan |
| Ray Price | LK/LF | Steve Norton |
| | Int. | John Holmes |
| | Int. | Mick Adams |
| Frank Stanton | Coach | Eric Ashton |

### New Zealand

* 17 July 1979
| Māori | 13 – 15 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Toa Fepuleai (2), Dennis Williams Goals: Nick Wright (2) | Report | Tries: David Barends, Mel James, Graham Liptrot Goals: Mick Adams (3) |
* Okara Park, Whangārei Attendance: 5,000 Referee: Kevin Steel
New Zealand Māori: Nick Wright, Toa Fepuleai, Tariana Wharekura, Dennis Williams, John Heremaia, Ray Harris, Dennis Key, Rick Muru, Murray Netzler (c), Pat Poasa, Warren Rangi, Ian Bell, Kevin Jenkinson. Reserves – , . Coach –
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Mike Smith, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Mick Adams. Reserves –

#### First Test

* 21 July 1979
| New Zealand | 8 – 16 | Great Britain |
| Tries: Fred Ah Kuoi Dick Uluave Goals: Warren Collicoat (1) | | Tries: Steve Evans George Fairbairn Eric Hughes Mike Smith Goals: George Fairbairn (2) |
* Carlaw Park, Auckland Attendance: 9,000 Referee: John Percival
| New Zealand | Position | Great Britain |
| Warren Collicoat | FB | George Fairbairn |
| Dick Uluave | WG | Steve Evans |
| James Leuluai | CE | John Joyner |
| Olsen Filipaina | CE | Mike Smith |
| Dane O'Hara | WG | Eric Hughes |
| Fred Ah Kuoi | FE/SO | John Holmes |
| Gordon Smith | HB/SH | Gary Stephens |
| Mark Broadhurst | PR | Len Casey |
| Howie Tamati | HK | David Ward |
| Dane Sorensen | PR | George Nicholls (c) |
| Graeme West (c) | SR | Phil Hogan |
| Kevin Tamati | SR | Jeff Grayshon |
| Tony Coll | LK/LF | Mick Adams |
| | Int. | Brian Lockwood |
| | Int. | |
| Cecil Mountford | Coach | Eric Ashton |
* 22 July 1979
| Northern Districts | 5 – 58 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Bill Kells Goals: Steve Dunston (1) | Report | Tries: David Barends (3), Steve Evans (3), Mel James (2), Roy Mathias (2), John Woods (2), Peter Glynn, David Topliss Goals: Keith Mumby (4) John Woods (4) |
* Davies Park, Huntly Attendance: 2,000
Northern Districts: Michael Tahu, John Heremaia, Charles Morgan, George Samuels, Kevin Fisher (c), Bill Kells, Dave Barlow, Pat Poasa, Paul Ravlich, Paddy Mathews, Warren Rangi, Trevor Bayley, Steve Dunston. Reserves – Philip Hetet, Jack Tahuri. Coach –
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Charlie Stone, Steve Norton. Reserves – John Woods, David Watkinson
* 25 July 1979
| Central Districts | 5 – 14 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Brent Peri Goals: Bill Rona (1) | Report | Tries: Eric Hughes, Roy Mathias, Mike Smith, Gary Stephens Goals: Roy Mathias (1) |
* Pukekura Park, New Plymouth Attendance: 900 Referee: Earle Pilcher
Central Districts: P. Truuts, P. Tippens, Paul Christensen, Gary Butler, Dick Uluave, Bill Rona, Jack Knuckey, Paul Te Ariki, Howie Tamati, Kerry White, Graeme West (c), N. Pekopo, Mike Butler. Reserves – J. Mitchell, Brent Peri. Coach –
Great Britain: George Fairbairn, Eric Hughes, John Joyner, Mike Smith, Roy Mathias, John Holmes, Gary Stephens, Mel James, David Ward, Charlie Stone, Jeff Grayshon, Steve Norton (c). Reserves – John Burke
* 29 July 1979
| Wellington | 3 – 39 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Mark Petersen | Report | Tries: David Barends Len Casey, Steve Evans, John Joyner, Alan Redfearn, Mike Smith, John Woods Goals: John Joyner (9) |
* Petone Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Des O'Sullivan
Wellington: Warren Collicoat, Alan Brooks, Tariana Wharekura, Arlan Taylor, Mark Petersen, Nolan Tupaea, Gary Campbell, Whetu Henry, Kevin Tamati (c), Steve Brewster, Whare Henry, Tamu Tua, John Whittaker. Reserves – Wayne Rutene, James Porter, Bruce Tatnell, Lawrence Tekahiki. Coach – Clarke Tarawati
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, Steve Evans, Mike Smith, John Woods, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Trevor Skerrett, George Nicholls (c), Len Casey, Phil Hogan. Reserves – John Joyner, David Watkinson
* 1 August 1979
| Canterbury | v | Great Britain Lions |
| | Report | |
* Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch Referee: Don Wilson
This match was cancelled due to flooding causing the Showgrounds to be under-water.
The Showgrounds would be clear for the Second Test 4 days later.

#### Second Test

* 5 August 1979
| New Zealand | 7 – 22 | Great Britain |
| Tries: Olsen Filipaina Goals: Olsen Filipaina (2) | | Tries: Len Casey Steve Evans Jeff Grayshon Eric Hughes Goals: George Fairbairn (5) |
* Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch Attendance: 8,500 Referee: John Percival
| New Zealand | Position | Great Britain |
| James Leuluai | FB | George Fairbairn |
| Dane O'Hara | WG | Steve Evans |
| Olsen Filipaina | CE | John Joyner |
| Lewis Hudson | CE | Mike Smith |
| Dick Uluave | WG | Eric Hughes |
| Fred Ah Kuoi | FE/SO | John Holmes |
| Gordon Smith | HB/SH | Gary Stephens |
| Mark Broadhurst | PR | George Nicholls (c) |
| Howie Tamati | HK | David Ward |
| Dane Sorensen | PR | Trevor Skerrett |
| Kevin Tamati | SR | Len Casey |
| Graeme West (c) | SR | Jeff Grayshon |
| Tony Coll | LK/LF | Mick Adams |
| | Int. | |
| | Int. | |
| Cecil Mountford | Coach | Eric Ashton |
* 7 August 1979
| West Coast | 0 – 19 | Great Britain Lions |
| Goals: Wayne Dwyer (0/1) Peter O'Neill (0/3) | Report | Tries: Phil Hogan (2), John Woods (2), Roy Mathias Goals: John Woods (2) |
* Wingham Park, Greymouth Attendance: 900 Referee: Peter McKenzie
West Coast: Peter O'Neill, Stephen Low, Mike McEwen, Bernard Green, Greg Mooney, Chris Menzies, Gordon Smith, Peter Harris, John Griffin, Wayne Dwyer, Tony Coll (c), Ray Baxendale, Michael Whitehead. Reserves – Alan Atkinson. Coach –
Great Britain: George Fairbairn, David Barends, Peter Glynn, John Woods, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, Graham Liptrot, Mel James, Charlie Stone, Brian Lockwood (c), Phil Hogan. Reserves –

#### Third Test

* 11 August 1979
| New Zealand | 18 – 11 | Great Britain |
| Tries: Kevin Fisher Mark Graham James Leuluai Dane O'Hara Goals: Olsen Filipaina (3) | | Tries: Eric Hughes Mike Smith Gary Stephens Goals: George Fairbairn (1) |
* Carlaw Park, Auckland Attendance: 7,000 Referee: Kevin Steel
| New Zealand | Position | Great Britain |
| James Leuluai | FB | George Fairbairn |
| Kevin Fisher | WG | Steve Evans |
| Olsen Filipaina | CE | John Joyner |
| Lewis Hudson | CE | Mike Smith |
| Dane O'Hara | WG | Eric Hughes |
| Fred Ah Kuoi (c) | FE/SO | John Holmes |
| Shane Varley | HB/SH | Gary Stephens |
| Mark Broadhurst | PR | Trevor Skerrett |
| Howie Tamati | HK | David Ward |
| Kevin Tamati | PR | George Nicholls (c) |
| Barry Edkins | SR | Len Casey |
| Tony Coll | SR | Jeff Grayshon |
| Mark Graham | LK/LF | Mick Adams |
| John Smith | Int. | John Woods |
| Paul Ravlich | Int. | Phil Hogan |
| Cecil Mountford | Coach | Eric Ashton |
* 13 August 1979
| Auckland | 10 – 18 | Great Britain Lions |
| Tries: Toa Fepuleai, Olsen Filipaina Goals: Olsen Filipaina (2) | Report | Tries: David Barends, Peter Glynn, Brian Lockwood, David Topliss Goals: John Woods (3) |
* Carlaw Park, Auckland Attendance: 15,000 Referee: Bob Lynch
Auckland: Gary Kemble, Toa Fepuleai, Olsen Filipaina, Ken Anderson, James Leuluai, Fred Ah Kuoi (c), Shane Varley, Wayne Robertson, Murray Netzler, Doug Gailey, Owen Wright, Alan McCarthy, Gary Prohm. Reserves – John Smith, Ian Bell. Coach – Don Hammond
Great Britain: Keith Mumby, David Barends, John Woods, Peter Glynn, Roy Mathias, David Topliss, Alan Redfearn, John Burke, David Watkinson, Mel James, Brian Lockwood (c), Charlie Stone, Phil Hogan. Reserves –

## Statistics

Leading try scorer
* 16 by Steve Evans
Leading point scorer
* 48 by Steve Evans (16 tries)
Largest attendance
* 26,857 – Second test vs Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Largest non-test attendance
* 15,000 – Auckland vs Great Britain at Carlaw Park