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The 2002 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain and France was a tour by the New Zealand national rugby league team. The New Zealand Kiwis drew the series 1-all against Great Britain and also defeated Wales and France. ==Background== This was the Kiwis first tour of Great Britain since the 2000 World Cup, the Kangaroos having toured Great Britain the previous year. The original squad named in September included Nathan Cayless, Craig Smith and Tevita Vaikona who all later had to withdraw from the final squad.〔(In-form Smith wins Kiwi call-up ) ''BBC Sport'', 21 September 2002〕〔(NZ player profiles ) ''BBC Sport'', 21 October 2002〕 Before the tour started the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, held an official reception for the team at the Beehive. It was the first New Zealand rugby league tour to receive an official farewell from a Prime Minister in Parliament. The tour was opened against Hull FC at The Boulevard, the same ground had hosted the first Test matched played by the 1907 New Zealand team. This match was the last international played at the ground, while the 1907 team had played in the first.〔''New Zealand Rugby League Annual 2002'', New Zealand Rugby Football League, 2002. p.35〕 Motu Tony broke his hand in the match against England A and was ruled out of the rest of the tour. Steve Clark refereed all three Test matches against Great Britain. Former Kiwis player Sean Hoppe, who had not represented his country since 1999, was given the honour of captaining St Helens RLFC in a tour match against the Kiwis.〔(Hoppe's last stand; Sean's set to skipper St Helens ) ''The Daily Post'', 25 October 2002〕〔(SAINTS STARS' LAST GOODBYE One hell of a bargain for Blues; Knowsley Road favourites bow out against Kiwis ) ''Liverpool Echo'', 25 October 2002〕 The match was meant to be his last before retirement however he was later called into the touring squad due to injuries and his final two matches were test matches against Great Britain and France. Hoppe was called up over Lesley Vainikolo who was also considered as a replacement after injuries to several backs including Motu Tony and Clinton Toopi.〔(Freeman eyes Vainikolo to replace injured Tony ) ''New Zealand Herald'', 1 November 2002〕 In the end Great Britain tied the series, taking the inaugural Baskerville Shield as hosts.〔(Lions edge Kiwis in thriller ) ''BBC Sport'', 23 November 2002〕 The third test match was Great Britain's first win over New Zealand since 1993. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「2002 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain and France」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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