For the host nation, New Zealand, this tour followed on from a visit by the Australian women's rugby league team during the previous year, 1997.

[2] A photo of the 1998 touring team is included with the Gilmour interview on the Women in Rugby League website.

The Jumper Number column shows the order players were listed in the team named for the 2nd Test, which appeared in a preview article in the Christchurch newspaper, The Press.

[3] A 'spectacular' try to Brenda Dobek in the closing minutes won the match for Great Britain, against an Auckland side that were missing their national team representatives.

[5] Playing a more physical game, to dominate possession and territory, New Zealand scored three converted tries in the first 30 minutes.

Just as the game was looking to break wide open for New Zealand, Great Britain wing Joanne "Flo-Jo" Hewson showed why she is rated the most dangerous Lioness attacker as she danced around her marker and left the cover defence in her wake.Both teams displayed improved defence in the second half, with Great Britain 'tackling ferociously' on their own line.