New Zealand v Australia 1999 Tri-Nations Final Rugby League

Having each comfortably accounted for Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia met in the Tri-Nations rugby league final of 1999 at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. The Kiwis had held onto a narrow lead to win the opening game of the series but came into the final with one crucial absentee: Stacey Jones, who had broken his arm in New Zealand’s match against Tonga. Australia was strengthened from the opening encounter by the inclusion of Andrew Johns, as well as better selections that saw Darren Lockyer start at fullback and Darren Smith in the centres.

Teams:

NEW ZEALAND: 1. Richie Barnett; 2. Nigel Vagana; 3. Ruben Wiki; 4. Willie Talau; 5. Leslie Vainikolo; 6. Henry Paul; 7. Robbie Paul; 8. Joe Vagana; 9. Richard Swain; 10. Craig Smith; 11. Matt Rua; 12. Stephen Kearney; 13. Logan Swann. Substitutes: Gene Ngamu; Jason Lowrie; Nathan Cayless; David Kidwell. Coach: Frank Endacott.

AUSTRALIA: 1. Darren Lockyer; 2. Mat Rogers; 3. Darren Smith; 4. Matt Gidley; 5. Wendell Sailor; 6. Andrew Johns; 7. Brett Kimmorley; 18. Jason Stevens; 9. Craig Gower; 10. Darren Britt; 11. Bryan Fletcher; 12. Nik Kosef; 13. Brad Fittler. Reserves: Jason Smith; Ryan Girdler; Michael Vella; Shaun Timmins. Coach: Chris Anderson.

Referee: Russell Smith (England).