The Lion and the Kiwi

This National Film Unit documentary follows the British Lions 1959 rugby tour to New Zealand. Prior to live televised sports coverage, match highlights were rushed onto cinema screens; NFU tour coverage was later edited into this feature length doco. On the field the series was won by the All Blacks 3-1, including the first test where Don Clarke famously kicked six penalties to beat the Lions’ four tries. Off the field, the Lions visited farms and resorts, drove trout and tried Māori song and dance with guide Rangi. A star back for the Lions was Peter Jackson. 

After the stock has been looked after Sunday is a good day for practice and talking over what happened in Saturday’s game. For Mr and Mrs Clarke it’s a different story: all their six sons play rugby and this must be the most jersey-laden washing line in New Zealand.

– Rugby and religion on the Clarke family farm

Key Cast & Crew

Oxley Hughan

Producer

David H Fowler

Writer, Editor

Peter Gwynne

Narrator

Selwyn Toogood

Narrator

Claude Wickstead

Sound

Kell Fowler

Camera