TheNew Zealand national rugby union team toured Britain and Ireland in November and December 1997. They played nine matches, including test matches againstWales,Ireland and two againstEngland. They won each of the first eight games, but drew the second test against England in their final match, avoiding a clean sweep.
TheNew Zealand Rugby selection panel named a squad of 36 for the tour, including six uncapped players: full-backTodd Miller, flankerAaron Hopa, propGordon Slater, half-backMark Robinson, number 8Steve Surridge and centreJeremy Stanley. Wing Jonah Lomu, second five-eighth Walter Little and flanker Andrew Blowers returned to the squad after illness and injury. Number 8Zinzan Brooke was picked for his final All Black tour ahead of a move to English clubHarlequins in 1998.[1]
Wales named a combined group of 52 covering both their senior team and the development squad for their November internationals. The most significant omission was their former captain, wingIeuan Evans, but coachKevin Bowring said this was for fitness reasons rather than Evans being on the verge of international retirement.[1]
Ireland
England
Wales
