Llanelli RFC
| 21 October |
Llanelli RFC | 10 – 16 | New Zealand | Stradey Park Attendance: 20,000 Referee: A.M. Hosie (Scotland) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Try Jones Pen:Bennett Drop: Gravelle |
Try: Rollerson Robertson Con: Rollerson Pen: Rollerson Drop:Taylor |
Like the game played three days earlier against Cardiff, Llanelli proved tough opposition for the touring New Zealand side. Of the seven games played during the tour this was the closest in score, with only a six point margin and at half time Llanelli were actually 10-3 ahead.
This match is often remembered for a controversial refereeing decision by Scottish referee Allan Hosie. Towards the end of the game, with the match still in the balance, Hosie appeared to send off the All Black lock, Graeme Higginson, only for a group of Llanelli players, led by Phil Bennett to challenge the referee over the action. Higginson was allowed to stay on the field with Hosie stating later that there was no sending off, and he had only giving Higginson a warning.
Read more about this topic: 1980 New Zealand Rugby Union Tour Of Wales, The Matches