October 24 - 1990 NZ Devp win in Toronto
In 1990 a New Zealand Development team made a five match end of season tour of Canada. They were the first team to carry this title but their role appeared very similar to that of New Zealand Emerging Players who had toured internally in 1985 and 1986. Another Development team toured Argentina in 1994 and during the 1990s further NZRU teams were fielded: New Zealand XVs in 1991,92,93, New Zealand “B” in 1991 and New Zealand “A” in 1997,99 and 2000.
The 1990 Development team played their second match, against Ontario in Toronto, on October 24 and won easily 63 – 3.
Kevin Schuler - captain of the NZ Development team
Coached by Lane Penn and Mark Shaw the Development side was a strong one. Captain Kevin “Herb” Schuler, wing Jasin Goldsmith and prop Olo Brown were already All Blacks with Shane Howarth, Jason Hewett, Jon Preston, Richard Turner, Mark Carter, Robin Brooke, Chris Tregaskis, Mark “Bull” Allen and Norm Hewitt winning selection in later seasons.
How beneficial the tour was for the Development team or for their opponents is hard to say. Only the last two matches, in Vancouver, were at all close and even then the results were clear cut. Like all tours though it may have clarified the potential of some Development players. And it probably demonstrated that playing standards in New Zealand and Canada were too far apart for such tours, enjoyable though it would have been, to be of much value
NEW ZEALAND DEVELOPMENT TEAM IN CANADA, 1990 Played 5 Won 5 Points for 242 Points Against 16
Oct. 20 v Eastern Canada in St Johns. Won 61 – 3.
Oct. 24 v Ontario in Toronto. Won 63 – 3.
Oct. 27 v Prairie XV in Winnipeg. Won 65 – 0.
Oct. 30 v Brit. Columbia Pres. XV in Vancouver. Won 25 – 3.
Nov. 2 v Brit. Columbia in Vancouver. Won 28 – 7.
