Australian Rugby League

Australia v New Zealand

1948 in Australia
1st Test - 29 May : lost 19-21 SCG (55,866)
2nd Test - 12 June : won 13-4 'Gabba (23,013)
Australia retains Trans-Tasman honours as series drawn

In 1948 the New Zealanders made their first return to Australia since 1909. For the home side, the post-war period had been a difficult period as they sought to find their best team. Of the players used in the 1946 Tests against the Lions only Frank 'Bumper' Farrell retained his place for the First Test. Many of Australia's top players had recently left for the big money on offer in England.

Newtown's Len Smith was given the responsibility of captain-coaching an inexperienced team and building for the upcoming Ashes series. The Australian side contained many soon-to-be "name" players including Wally O'Connell, Jack Rayner, Fred de Belin, Kevin Schubert, Noel Pidding, Len Pegg, Johnny Graves, Keith Froome and Pat McMahon.

With expectations for an easy Australian win, a big crowd of over 55,000 packed the SCG for the 1st Test. In a fine opening to the game Australia looked to have the Test in hand after taking a 13-0 lead including a try to South's Jack Rayner. But the Test-hardened New Zealanders fought back magnificently well and the "green" Australians found it impossible to stop the changing tide. Into the final quarter of the game the lead changed a number of times in what had become a see-sawing affair. Eventually the Kiwis outlasted the Aussies to win in a close tussle 21-19.

Read the story of Len Smith - click here For the 2nd Test at the 'Gabba in Brisbane, the selectors hatchet came out and into the side came four more Test-debutants: Nevyl Hand, Jack Holland, Duncan Hall and Clive Churchill. Smith implemented a game plan that involved him repeatedly running like a forward at the NZ centres in the early stages of the game to tire them out. Complimented by an inspired performance by Balmain's Fred de Belin, Smith's plan worked and the Aussies won 13-4.

This dominant display went a long way to restoring hope for a successful Kangaroo tour. The press reported: "Smith figured prominently in the victory by the way he played and also by the way he handled the side on the field."

When the Kangaroo touring side was soon announced - captain/coach Smith was not selected and a public furore ensued.