his first two test caps came instead in the 1949 series against australia that was played in new zealand. this tour coincided with the stronger though māori-free all blacks team touring south africa. bevan played all four tests the following year against the touring british lions. injuries prevented him from touring with the 1951 all blacks to australia. bevan was a member of the 1953–54 new zealand rugby union tour of the united kingdom, ireland, france and north america and played capably enough during his 16 appearances. but with age he was losing a little of his speed and his cousin, keith davis, his junior by nearly 10 years, was preferred for all five internationals.