Craig INNES

Craig Innes - New Zealand - New Zealand International Rugby Caps.

Photo/Foto: George Herringshaw

Date: 27 October 1991

Click on image to enlarge

    • POSITION
      Centre
    • DATE OF BIRTH
      Wednesday, 10 September 1969
    • PLACE OF BIRTH
      New Plymouth, New Zealand.
  • INTERNATIONAL
  • New Zealand
    • CAREER DATES
      1989-1991
    • Debut
      Saturday, 4th November 1989 v Wales (Cardiff) won 34-9
      (Aged: 20)
    • Final Appearance
      30/10/1991 v Scotland (Cardiff) won 13-6 (W.Cup 3rd/4th)
    • Total Caps
      17
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Craig INNES - New Zealand - New Zealand International Rugby Caps.

1989 v Wales (Cardiff) W 34-9

1989 v Ireland (Dublin) W 23-6

 

1990 v Australia (Christchurch) W 21-6
1990 v Australia (Auckland) W 27-17
1990 v Australia (Wellington) L 21-9
1990 v France (Nantes) W 24-3

1990 v France (Paris) W 30-12

 

1991 v Argentina (Buenos Aires) W 28-14
1991 v Argentina (Buenos Aires) W 36-6
1991 v Australia (Sydney) L 21-12
1991 v Australia (Auckland) W 6-3
1991 v England (Twickenham) W 18-12 (W.Cup)
1991 v USA (Gloucester) W 46-6 (W.Cup)
1991 v Italy (Leicester) W 31-21 (W.Cup)
1991 v Canada (Lille) W 29-13 (W.Cup)
1991 v Australia (Dublin) L 16-6 (W.Cup)

1991 v Scotland (Cardiff) W 13-6 (W.Cup 3rd/4th Place)

 

.
Career Record: P17, W14, L3
Test Points: 24
Tries: 6

Craig became a fixture in the New Zealand
side following his debut against Wales in
November 1989, missing just two of the
next eighteen Internationals.

He played in all six of the All Blacks
games at the 1991 World Cup with the
3rd/4th Place Play-Off match against
Scotland his last in New Zealand colours.

(R) = Replacement

 

 

 

Craig Innes in action for The Al Blacks on 13th. October 1991.  Image George Herringshaw.  ©

 

Centre Craig Innes looked set for a long and successful international career when he made his All Black debut at the age of 20 in 1989. However, in the wake of the side's failure in the 1991 World Cup, he became one of the "Lost Boys" of New Zealand rugby, throwing in his lot with Rugby League. The young Innes first came to prominence with the Marist Brothers club and then with Ponsonby, breaking into the national set up whilst still a teenager. Craig's speed and powerful build made him ideally suited for playing in midfield, though in his earlier days his passing was somewhat suspect. He travelled to the UK in late 1989 expecting to keep the reserves bench warm, but was given a starting chance on the wing against Wales in Cardiff when John Kirwan suffered an injury. Craig made the most of this opportunity, scoring a try with his first touch of the ball before adding another just before the final whistle. All Black followers rubbed their hands with glee as yet another exciting prospect made his mark.

 

In 1990 he was then given a chance in his favoured position of centre when Joe Stanley was dropped. At the time it may have seemed like a good decision, but Innes lacked the older player's positional sense and passing ability and All Black attacking moves began to look increasingly stereotyped. Like the majority of the New Zealand back line he failed to perform to the best of his ability in the 1991 World Cup, and signed for English rugby league outfit Leeds shortly afterwards. As with several other League converts he returned to the 15 man code following the arrival of professionalism. Age and injuries prevented a recall to the national team, but in the colours of Auckland he was as impressive as ever in the highly competitive Super 12 series. (Jon Collins)