Lions Tour 1966

On the charge: Mike Campbell-Lamerton in action against Australia on the 1966 tour

A gruelling tour, which included trips to Australia and Canada, left The Lions exhausted as New Zealand were victorious in the first ever four Test whitewash.

The Lions, captained by Mike Campbell-Lamerton, played 35 matches in the tour including two in Canada and eight in Australia.

The tourists began by playing two Tests against Australia which they won 11-8 and a convincing 31-0.

Confidence was high and there was talk in the media of this Lions squad being the best of all time.

But they then lost three of the nine warm-up matches arranged before facing the All Blacks in the first Test where they lost once again. A poor performance resulted in Stewart Wilson scoring the only points from a penalty.

Three All Black tries, one conversion, one penalty and one drop goal condemned The Lions to an opening 20-3 loss .

The Lions rallied back in the second Test and led 9-8 at half-time before one stray pass at the death ended any hope of turning their 16-12 deficit into a narrow win.

Three Stewart Wilson penalties and a Dai Watkins drop-goal gave The Lions hope but the Kiwis scored three tries, converted two and scored a penalty to win the second Test.

A second half collapse saw the third Test also end in defeat after the Lions held their hosts 6-6 at half-time. Watkins and Ronnie Lamont scored tries in the first half but Waka Nathan (2), and Spooky Smith scored tries and Mick Williment scored two conversions and two penalties to seal a predictable series win as the All Blacks won the match 19-6.

The All Black pack prevailed once again in the final Test and New Zealand completed the 4-0 whitewash with a 24-11 victory that symbolised the golden age New Zealand rugby was enjoying.