peterdarrowsports

My thoughts and opinions on the world of sport

  • George Nepia, 100 years ago, was he really an All Black at sixteen years of age?


    If the stories are true, George Nepia, famed All Black fullback, was selected for the All Blacks on their “Invincibles” tour as a sixteen year old player. In an interview with Michael Romanos, Nepia revealed he was born in 1908 rather than 1905 or 1904 as some records show. In the interview he stated that he raised his age by three years to ensure he made the All Black trials in 1924, knowing that selectors would not pick a sixteen year old teenager. Nepia also advised that players should be picked at an early age if they have mastered basic rugby skills. Mental strength plays an important part in whether a player is successful at a younger age, Bryan Williams and Jonah Lomu were both nineteen when selected for the All Blacks with Williams making the more successful debut, Jonah took another year to confirm his potential. To play on rugby’s big stage it is more important to be mentally ready than physically with a strong family background playing a key role. Nepia’s father was a strong disciplinarian who once ran onto the field to reprimand his son who was not playing well. Think of Tiger Woods and his father.
    George Nepia was described by historian Philippa Mein Smith as being “New Zealand rugby’s first superstar,” and his legacy lives on in those who remember him and his achievements.

    Nepia’s reputation was sealed on the Invincibles tour to the UK, France and Canada in 1924 when he played in all thirty-two unbeaten games. Along with Mark Nicholls, the Brownlie brothers Cyril and Maurice, Cliff Porter and Bert Cooke, Nepia became a distinguished member of the tour. Playing all matches on tour was a great achievement, with captain Porter not wanting to select anyone else. Nepia’s attributes were highlighted on the tour, impressing observers with his crash tackling, strong defence and powerful kicking. Credit for these skills must be given to the American elder, Erwin Moser at the Māori Agricultural College that Nepia attended. He coached him in the grid-iron style of punting and tackling. Nepia had disobeyed his fathers’ orders and preferred the Māori College to Te Aute when he and a travelling companion changed direction. His coach advised him if he were suitable for the First XV his fees would be paid, does that make him New Zealand’s first professional rugby player?

    George Nepia was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay. He died aged eighty-one in 1986 and is remembered as an iconic player from both rugby codes and one of the great Māori players.
    He was selected for the legendary Hawkes Bay team in 1922, then made his international debut on the Invincibles tour. The ship taking six weeks to get to England and Nepia the only non- smoker on tour. The pride of the Ngāti Kahungunu tribe who  was described by an Englishman Denzil Batchelor as “a fullback slinking from side to side like a black panther behind bars.”

    Due to apartheid Nepia was not selected for the South African tour in 1928, but he followed up with a tour to Australia and the British Lions at home.
    The depression affected Nepia badly in the 1930s, so he switched to rugby league, playing for the Streatham and Mitcham Rugby League Club in London, for the considerable sum of 500 pounds. He missed his family back in New Zealand and returned there in 1937, playing league for Manukau, NZ Māori and clubs in the South Island as he was ostracised from playing rugby. Rules changed after the Second World War and Nepia played rugby union for the Olympians club against his son George at the age of forty-five, the only time a father has played against his son in NZ first class rugby. He then became a referee upon his retirement from playing the game in the 1950s.
    Nepia was inducted into the NZ Sports Hall of Fame and in 2004 was selected in “New Zealand’s Top 100 History Makers” television show, but he has never received a Queens Honour. He has also been the subject of a one-person show and a book both titled “I, George Nepia”.

    Some tips from George Nepia, many ligament injuries are due to low-cut boots, the 2-3-2 scrum should have been retained and the secret to a long life is to keep your mind active and read a lot.

    On the 1982 NZ Māori tour, Nepia was introduced to the 60,000 strong Welsh crowd and they all stood and clapped this legendary Māori All Black, showing the esteem in which he was held.

    I’ve just realised it is a hundred years since Nepia was a member of the Invincibles tour in 1924, so this has worked quite nicely into a tribute to the man and his storied chapter in NZ rugby history.

     

















  • George Nepia, 100 years ago, was he really an All Black at sixteen years of age?


    If the stories are true, George Nepia, famed All Black fullback, was selected for the All Blacks on their “Invincibles” tour as a sixteen year old player. In an interview with Michael Romanos, Nepia revealed he was born in 1908 rather than 1905 or 1904 as some records show. In the interview he stated that he raised his age by three years to ensure he made the All Black trials in 1924, knowing that selectors would not pick a sixteen year old teenager. Nepia also advised that players should be picked at an early age if they have mastered basic rugby skills. Mental strength plays an important part in whether a player is successful at a younger age, Bryan Williams and Jonah Lomu were both nineteen when selected for the All Blacks with Williams making the more successful debut, Jonah took another year to confirm his potential. To play on rugby’s big stage it is more important to be mentally ready than physically with a strong family background playing a key role. Nepia’s father was a strong disciplinarian who once ran onto the field to reprimand his son who was not playing well. Think of Tiger Woods and his father.
    George Nepia was described by historian Philippa Mein Smith as being “New Zealand rugby’s first superstar,” and his legacy lives on in those who remember him and his achievements.

    Nepia’s reputation was sealed on the Invincibles tour to the UK, France and Canada in 1924 when he played in all thirty-two unbeaten games. Along with Mark Nicholls, the Brownlie brothers Cyril and Maurice, Cliff Porter and Bert Cooke, Nepia became a distinguished member of the tour. Playing all matches on tour was a great achievement, with captain Porter not wanting to select anyone else. Nepia’s attributes were highlighted on the tour, impressing observers with his crash tackling, strong defence and powerful kicking. Credit for these skills must be given to the American elder, Erwin Moser at the Māori Agricultural College that Nepia attended. He coached him in the grid-iron style of punting and tackling. Nepia had disobeyed his fathers’ orders and preferred the Māori College to Te Aute when he and a travelling companion changed direction. His coach advised him if he were suitable for the First XV his fees would be paid, does that make him New Zealand’s first professional rugby player?

    George Nepia was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay. He died aged eighty-one in 1986 and is remembered as an iconic player from both rugby codes and one of the great Māori players.
    He was selected for the legendary Hawkes Bay team in 1922, then made his international debut on the Invincibles tour. The ship taking six weeks to get to England and Nepia the only non- smoker on tour. The pride of the Ngāti Kahungunu tribe who  was described by an Englishman Denzil Batchelor as “a fullback slinking from side to side like a black panther behind bars.”

    Due to apartheid Nepia was not selected for the South African tour in 1928, but he followed up with a tour to Australia and the British Lions at home.
    The depression affected Nepia badly in the 1930s, so he switched to rugby league, playing for the Streatham and Mitcham Rugby League Club in London, for the considerable sum of 500 pounds. He missed his family back in New Zealand and returned there in 1937, playing league for Manukau, NZ Māori and clubs in the South Island as he was ostracised from playing rugby. Rules changed after the Second World War and Nepia played rugby union for the Olympians club against his son George at the age of forty-five, the only time a father has played against his son in NZ first class rugby. He then became a referee upon his retirement from playing the game in the 1950s.
    Nepia was inducted into the NZ Sports Hall of Fame and in 2004 was selected in “New Zealand’s Top 100 History Makers” television show, but he has never received a Queens Honour. He has also been the subject of a one-person show and a book both titled “I, George Nepia”.

    Some tips from George Nepia, many ligament injuries are due to low-cut boots, the 2-3-2 scrum should have been retained and the secret to a long life is to keep your mind active and read a lot.

    On the 1982 NZ Māori tour, Nepia was introduced to the 60,000 strong Welsh crowd and they all stood and clapped this legendary Māori All Black, showing the esteem in which he was held.

    I’ve just realised it is a hundred years since Nepia was a member of the Invincibles tour in 1924, so this has worked quite nicely into a tribute to the man and his storied chapter in NZ rugby history.

     

















  • Umaga, Cleaver and Gifford add to growing list of those disenchanted with rugby union.


    I am a rugby fan hanging on by a thread to a game I have followed for over 50 years. It brought immense joy, frustration and disappointment in that time, but none more so than the current rugby climate. I am not alone, with many long-term fans expressing disappointment with today’s game. The latest being All Black legend Tana Umaga who expressed concern rugby is losing fans and we need to think about the product we are putting out. “We need the people in our communities behind it and we have to make sure that we’re going out there and giving them what they want.” rnz.co.nz
    It appears to me that the major focus is on Super Rugby whereas attention should be on the NPC which is the foundation of rugby in New Zealand. Super Rugby gives the impression it is purely used as a springboard for players to shine for All Black attention, which makes the fan an afterthought. Tana Umaga went on to say today that “we have just got to make sure that we keep the essence of what rugby is about, that’s our point of difference. That’s what makes us unique, and we don’t want to lose that. We don’t want to be following anyone else, we need to be innovative about what we do and trying to understand what people want so that we can give it to them.” Umaga’s Moana Pasifika side is indicative of what is wrong with rugby union with the side unable to find a permanent home, which makes it look amateurish. We also have one of the leading sides, the Crusaders playing from a make-do Orangetheory Stadium which from a television viewing platform is uninspiring. I do appreciate it is biding time before the new Christchurch stadium is built and this comment is only related to watching a game on tv. Rugby games need to be the whole entertainment package from tv coverage, marketing and excitement to attract viewership.
     Rugby has only been a professional game for twenty-nine years so it is young and immature with growing pains apparent. Rugby League has been a professional sport since the late 1890s which gives it a massive head start over union. What will the union game look like in another one hundred years? Surely better than now.
    I have always enjoyed rugby league from the days of Phillip Orchard, Olsen Filipaina to Shaun Johnson but it was always the entrée rather than the main course of sports viewing. Not now, however, with league streets ahead in terms of entertainment. I have been trying to put my finger on what league does better than rugby and it is still difficult to define, but if I have a choice of watching league or rugby as my sporting pleasure, the former wins out.
    Phil Gifford aka Loosehead Len is another who fears for the future of the game, “But I’ve been more spooked by the fact some of our greatest players and coaches have, both in public and privately, said how watching the game they grew up with is no longer their priority. If people who have loved the game all their lives are struggling to engage, how can we expect the average fan to be riveted?
    It was all summed up perfectly by The Bounce writer Dylan Cleaver who stated,” The Warriors 20-12 win over the Knights in a re-run of last year’s home playoff by contrast wasn’t an amazing game, but it looked like a hell of an occasion, and often that is more important.”
    The NRL teams are striving desperately every week to win a long, tough competition with the only focus on the glory of such an achievement. What does Super Rugby bring? Teams going through the motions to promote their best players to the All Blacks or Wallabies. Which reminds me, why would you send the Super Rugby teams to the great rugby outpost of Melbourne to host games to predominantly AFL fans? Take the game to the hardcore fans and do not live on hope that you may convert one or two AFL supporters. Those in charge of rugby need to create memorable sporting events for the fans and not pander to the egomaniacs and their wants.
    The reason why I write this shows the care and passion for the game of rugby union which I still believe that at it’s best is the better game of league and definitely AFL. But things need to change to avoid rugby slipping into the abyss.

  • Des Connor, representing Australia and New Zealand makes him the greatest Wallaby halfback


    The number of top class halfbacks produced by Australia and New Zealand is quite astonishing. Having played the position myself I have a natural affinity with the role and what it entails and who the best exponents are. It is the best position on the field with opportunities to highlight all of rugby’s skills including running, tackling, kicking and of course passing. Where else would you rather play? Being involved continuously, possessing the ball and providing a link between forwards and backs are the key attractions. A feisty, strong personality is de rigueur for the position as your own forwards need controlling and the opposition pack repelled. Nothing like tackling a large number eight coming off the back of the scrum! A good fast pass, sturdy build, tactical awareness and ability to make a break are key components of the halfback role.
    The list of New Zealand halfbacks starts with Chris Laidlaw in the 1960s and ends with Aaron Smith in 2023, in between the production line of exceptional halfbacks included Sid Going, Dave Loveridge, Justin Marshall, Mark Donaldson, Graham Bachop, David Kirk, Byron Kelleher and Piri Weepu. Will Cam Roigard be added to that list as time goes on?
    The Wallabies list includes Ken Catchpole, John Hipwell, Nick Farr-Jones, George Gregan and Will Genia. A stunning collection of top players.

    One player who was a little before my time but could have been the greatest Wallaby halfback of all time was Des Connor. He is still remarkably the only player to have pulled on the jerseys of both Australia and New Zealand, which elevates him to legendary status. Can you imagine say George Gregan back in the day, transferring to New Zealand and being selected for the All Blacks? That is how unique an achievement it was for Connor.
    In 1969, the celebrated New Zealand critic Morrie Mackenzie wrote of Connor: “The best halfback in the world from 1958 to 1961 and also the best I ever saw with the exception of (South African) Danie Craven.” Classicwallabies.com.au
    In 2008 Connor was inducted into the Wallaby Hall of Fame and previously in 1999 was chosen in Queensland’s “Team of the Century.”
    Spiro Zavos from The Roar in 2008 reflected on Connor, “Life doesn’t get much better when your hero matches every aspect of the admiration you had for him when you meet up with him after the days of his playing glory.”

    Desmond Michael Connor was born in 1935 in Ashgrove, Queensland. Even though Marist College was better known as a rugby league school, Connor was in the First XV for three years and then joined the Brothers Club. Five years playing for Queensland began in 1954 and selection for Australia occurred in 1957. On the tour of Britain, Ireland and France he made his Test debut versus Wales and then captained his country against the New Zealand Māori later that year. Connor gained praise from New Zealand fans while playing against the All Blacks on the 1958 tour of New Zealand.

    His decision to advance his teaching career in New Zealand rather than the UK in 1960 presented him with the opportunity to represent Auckland as vice-captain in their Ranfurly Shield reign. Residency regulations were more flexible in those days and after a brief period Des Connor incredibly made his All Blacks debut against France in 1961. Even more remarkable he was selected as vice-captain for all twelve Tests he played for the All Blacks. Connor possessed a quick, lengthy pass, a good kicking game and was tactically aware. A reverse pass was also part of his repertoire. He toured Australia as an All Black in 1962 and played against his old team when they toured New Zealand 1964. The only defeat he suffered for the All Blacks happened in Wellington against Australia.
    A coaching career beckoned when he returned home to Australia, beginning with the Brothers Club followed by Queensland and Australia. As an innovative thinker Connor introduced the short lineout to the Southern Hemisphere in the home Test series versus New Zealand in 1968. He went on to manage the 1969 tour to South Africa and the controversial return visit in 1971.

    Was Des Connor the best Wallaby halfback? Those of a certain vintage will have a better idea and we will value their opinion.
     He does encounter stiff opposition from modern day players including Genia and Gregan, but the momentous feat of representing both Australia and New Zealand may never be bettered.









  • “What a score!”-BaaBaas 1973, made possible by a free flowing referee.



    To conclusively prove that today’s refereeing and officialdom is pedantic, making games unwatchable, is that fifty years on from the magnificent 1973 Barbarians versus All Blacks match, we are still discussing the game and “the try”. Whereas the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa will be forgotten about in the future if it has not been dismissed already.
    We know that errors happened in the refereeing of the Barbarians match but that is not the point, whether the referees were aware of player error and allowed the match to flow or because he was the only official on the park, mistakes were made. Point being that one game was allowed to flow.
    Can you imagine the joy a TMO (Television Match Official) would have got from overseeing the 73 game? They would have been in bureaucracy heaven. Many people enjoy the strict autocratic regulatory society we live in today and accept why the 1973 match and “the try” would not be part of our rugby union history today if it were refereed under current rules.
    The players from both sides long ago wrote themselves into rugby folklore with their roles in a classic rugby match from that era. But the referee whose name would be a great question in sports trivia played a leading role as well. His name was Georges Domercq who passed away in 2020 aged eighty-nine. The story goes he was welcomed by supporters in France on his return home from the match, which would not happen today. Domercq’s attitude made for a flowing encounter.
    Barbarians’ matches are known for their free flowing style but shouldn’t a referee’s responsibility be to allow the players the freedom to express themselves in all formats of the game, whether it be a club match or a RWC final? In the 1973 match it was not all helter-skelter rugby, there were more scrums and lineouts than a 2022 Six Nations match according to the Guardian.

    As for one of the greatest tries ever scored, what would have happened to it under today’s strict rules?
    From the early lineout throw by John Pullin there was some pushing and shoving in the lineout, but as they were bunched up line-ups in those days we will let that go.
    All Black hooker Ron Urlich made a head high tackle on JPR Williams after JPR fielded a kick from Sid Going. No doubt Urlich would have been given a yellow card, which would have been upgraded to a red card and he would have been sent off.
    In the next passage of play JPR is once again the victim of a head high tackle, this time from the great Bryan “Beegee” Williams. Sorry Beegee but you would have had the referee ominously reaching into his pocket for a yellow card in 2024. I cannot believe I just wrote 2024, were we not supposed to be a more advanced society now?
    John Dawes is meant to have presented a “great dummy” according to the legend of rugby commentators, Bill McLaren in the next play. But it is difficult to see it with the camera shooting from the ground level. We will take your word for it Bill.
    The pass from flanker Tom David to number eight Derek Quinnell is often viewed by fans as being a forward pass, but referee Domercq was close to the action and has stated it was not forward. In the footage you can see where the ref is and he is just out of line so it could have been forward. Those with technical ability have analysed the pass to confirm the ref’s opinion. But the TMO would have injected themselves into our lives by recalling the pass after the try was scored and view it a hundred times before making his decision, pushing us to sit on the couch with pent up frustration!
    The pass from Quinnell to Gareth Edwards appears to be more forward than the David pass, as Edwards “intercepts” the pass intended for John Bevan. Once again, the TMO would have desired to justify his pay and interrupted the try celebration to bore us with incessant replays.

    My point with this is not to denigrate the try but to compare the attitudes and actions taken by the characters who featured in the 1973 classic to today’s interpretation of the rules. “Looking back, we could not believe how many times it could have gone wrong. But there was no TMO and it was allowed to flow.” Gareth Edwards responded to the Guardian. “Allowed to flow,” that is the key. No wonder 1000 guests gathered in Newport, Wales in 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the match.
    Free up rugby for its own sake or it will slowly disappear.

    The superb commentator Bill McLaren can have the last say in this, “If the greatest writer of the written word would’ve written that story no one would have believed it.”

    My thanks to Sheek, Roar member for providing the inspiration for this article.
     
     









  • A Heavenly Rugby Team

    Unfortunately the only criteria for this Dream XV are that you had to have passed away! In my research I thought of eligible players who to my disappointment found them to still be alive! Oh well, back to the drawing board. There are some names that are just guaranteed selections and other more contentious picks. As with many subjective dream fifteens the authors bias will shine through and in this case New Zealand names are prominent. But that is the beauty here as readers can nominate their own names to be considered.
    Some players lived long, healthy lives, others were not so fortunate and were struck down young due to illness or accident, such is life.
    Why bother with such a team? The main point being to shine a light on those valuable players who are no longer with us who will be missed by many and who contributed towards unforgettable rugby moments. Today’s players may not realise it but they are subconsciously copying the feats, skills and styles of yesterdays players. They need to be trying a little harder for the current Australian team.
    You can just imagine this team in great conversations about the good old days after passing through the pearly gates, before professionalism when the priorities were quite different. A backline of such brilliance and forwards as tough as teak, so let us make a start at fullback:

    JPR Williams
    JPR passed away in January 2024 after battling bacterial meningitis at the age of 74. “The full back was instantly recognisable, with a distinct running style, socks around his ankles and long sideburns to boot,” as reported by walesonline.co.uk
    I said the forwards were tough but this was one back of their equal. My personal memory of him is the 50m drop kick he put over at Eden Park for the British Lions in 1971to ensure the Lions won the series.

    Jonah Lomu
    I said there are certainties, well here is one. No way the big fella could be left out! A colossus, a rhino in ballet shoes and the man who elevated rugby to the world stage at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. There is only one Jonah Lomu. Jonah died aged forty from a heart attack after suffering from kidney problems for twenty years.

    David Duckham
    The only evidence you need to select Duckham is watch the highlights of the 1973 All Blacks versus Barbarians match. His electrifying runs, brilliant sidestep and dummy still bring goosebumps after all these years. The Englishman who won the hearts of Welshmen died aged seventy-six in 2023. There were two other contenders, JJ Williams and Christophe Dominici, both left wingers who would not have displaced Jonah.

    Bruce Robertson
    The” Prince of Centres” was a tall, elegant player who set up his wings brilliantly. He was as well known for being a Counties player as he was an All Black, which is where the rugby landscape has changed. He passed away in 2023 aged seventy-one.

    John Gainsford
    His reputation demands his inclusion based on his performances for South Africa from 1960-1967. A big man who could sidestep off either foot with pace and intimidation. He believed rugby was about scoring tries which will get him selected here. Gainsford died aged seventy-seven in 2015. He and Jonah would have gone well together!

    Barry John
    We have a “Prince” so why not a “King” as he was called on the 1971 British Lions tour of New Zealand. One of the most impactful players I have seen from that tour. A brilliant player with a majestic boot who could totally control a match. JPR Williams regarded John as “without doubt, the greatest player I played with.” John died aged seventy-nine in 2024. A mention here for the mercurial Nicky Allen who sadly died in 1984 aged only twenty-six after sustaining head injuries during a club match in Wollongong, Australia. A distinguished career beckoned.

    Joost van der Westhuizen
    Joost showed the same courage fighting Motor Neuron Disease as he did on the rugby field battling giants like Jonah Lomu. He sadly lost his battle with the disease in 2017 after broadening understanding of the condition through his J9 Foundation. His fighting spirit and courage were amply shown throughout his outstanding rugby career.

    Mervyn Davies
    “Merv the Swerve” was an important figure in the “golden era” of Welsh rugby in the 70s and is known as one of their greatest Number 8’s. His playing career ended after suffering a brain haemorrhage while playing a Welsh Cup game and he collapsed in open play.

    Jerry Collins
    What a fearsome sight he was! A ferocious tackler known for his colourful antics off the field and his generosity. He was not just admired in New Zealand but all around the world, creating friendships in far flung places. Jerry was tragically killed in a car crash in France with his daughter surviving after Jerry heroically protected her in the crash. He died aged thirty-four in 2015.

    Colin Meads
    Yes, Pinetree must be here! Read my recent article about Colin on The Roar.

    Andy Haden
    A man before his time, he was adept at the commercial aspects of rugby, not embraced by officialdom which is why I like him! Controversy followed him, but he should be remembered for being a fine player and lineout expert. Haden died aged sixty-nine in 2020.

    Waka Nathan
    If not for injury Nathan would have played many more games for the All Blacks, he never played in a losing Test. A great Māori player and on his death was described as a “mighty totara has fallen.” Died aged eighty-one in 2021.

    Ken Gray
    Gray quit the game in 1969 as he was opposed to the upcoming tour to South Africa. “He was the equal, at least, of Meads,” former All Black back Grahame Thorne said. “He was the best forward I ever played with.” nz herald.co.nz. Died in 1992 aged fifty-four.

    John Pullin
    I had Bobby Windsor on the list but unfortunately, he had not passed away! It was difficult finding one who had but it came down to Tane Norton and John Pullin. Pullin gets it as he wasthefirst captain of a European side to beat New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. He died aged seventy-nine in 2021.

    Keith Murdoch
    When you have a legendary character like Colin Meads being intimidated by an opposing provincial player, you know he must be tough. Most of us will know about the 1972-73 incident where he was sent home and have an opinion, “whether you view Murdoch as a wronged man or a violent thug, it was interesting to hear that half a century on, the All Blacks at least keep him in the back of their minds whenever they visit Cardiff,” rnz.co.nz
    As a pure prop it would be hard to find a better one.

    There you have it, a heavenly team! Probably not heavenly characters but a hell of a good rugby team.


















  • Colin Meads, prototype for the New Zealand rugby player


    If you had to describe the ultimate New Zealand rugby player to a non-rugby fan and use one player to support your argument, would Sir Colin Meads best represent your case? Yes, there would be support for the Richie McCaw’s, Dan Carter’s and Jonah Lomu’s of the modern rugby time, but I would suggest that Meads is more the complete package. The modern day players biggest fallibility is their link to professionalism and a gradual distancing from hard core rugby fans. Meads typified the link between a high profile player and his community rugby club, meeting your hero was great inspiration. For those of a certain vintage you can name All Blacks or provincial players you met at an after game function at your local club and still remember the occasion today. They were like gods and if you were not so tongue tied, may have had a decent conversation with them! There is a feeling that professionalism has created a gap between the local rugby community and the pro player, unlike back in the Meads era where All Blacks were more visible in the community through work and social activities. What are the chances of catching a glimpse of a pro player today, apart from viewing them on pay television?
    “Modern rugby, if hardly a mystery to Meads, appears almost colourless in comparison. The players may be bigger, faster, fitter and more tactically aware, but Meads wonders wryly if they are right about everything” theguardian.com.


    Not having known Colin Meads, I would suggest he would have been happier playing in the amateur era rather than as a professional player. Gaining fitness and strength through work like farming was preferable than working out in a gymnasium. His warm-ups before a game relied upon the haka and there were no dieticians to scrutinise what a player ate before a match. Former All Black coach and player, Brian Lochore quipped that today’s players hydrate before a game whereas those in their era drank after the game.
    Meads was known to work so hard on the family farm, he looked forward to the rugby season for a rest. It was a myth that he ran over the hills of his farm carrying a sheep under each arm.

    Colin Meads was the stereotypical New Zealand rugby player with humble, self-deprecating and reserved characteristics. An NFL showman would be the complete opposite. Loyalty also being a prominent virtue of a player from that time. Meads typified the strong, rugged and uncompromising player from the 1960s and 70s.
    Yes, he did transgress at times, Australians may interpret that in stronger terms after the well documented Keith Catchpole incident! Only those who saw Meads play regularly would confirm if he was the instigator or the one who responded to provocation. He was reported to have punched British Lion David Watkins and Welshman Jeff Young in matches and was sent off in 1967 versus Scotland for dangerous play. If Meads was playing today the TMO would have earned his salary from watching him alone! According to Roar writer Geoff Parkes who grew up in the King Country, “he was a tough bastard on the field, and I saw him and his brother Stan do some pretty unsavoury things to people who they thought were causing them trouble.”

    But there was another side to Colin Meads and examples of this were shared at his funeral in 2017 with his brother and fellow All Black locking partner Stan Meads saying Colin was “as soft as butter” who raised considerable funds for charities. A hard man who once knitted a scarf and balaclava and who read Cat in the Hat to his children.
    NZ Rugby chairman Brent Impey: “It goes without saying that Sir Colin is one of New Zealand’s special treasures – both as an All Black, but also as a great example of what it means to be a New Zealander. What we love about Sir Colin is that despite the international recognition and praise heaped on him, he just considers himself to be a guy from Te Kuiti.” NZ Herald.co.nz

    It is pointless to compare players from different eras, but I can never resist it. A player with Meads’ attributes would have been a superstar in today’s game. Of course, he may not have stood up to the scrutiny, the social media attention and modern ways but with his strength, ruggedness and athleticism would have been an esteemed player. How many players today do you see running with the ball in one hand swatting off defenders? A man who played on the wing for the All Blacks and as a loose forward and who kicked a drop goal for his beloved King Country.
    For many, we can only remember Colin Meads through You Tube highlights, but he appeared to be a fearsome runner with ball in hand demonstrating great ball skills.

    If you compared elite level All Blacks from today and yesterday based on their old fashioned rugby values, New Zealand pride, community support, ability as a skilful rugby player, all-round good guy with family values and choose the quintessential player, there is only one option, Sir Colin Meads.

     













  • Russell Fairfax-rediscovering one of the “free spirits” and an interview to boot!


    In a segue from my recent article about inspirational coach Geoff Mould, one of his protégé’s at Matraville High School was precociously talented Russell Fairfax. With a philosophy of running rugby, it was no wonder Fairfax exemplified this attitude. Mould moved him from flyhalf to fullback where he was a sensation on the Australian Schoolboys tour of South Africa in 1969. Mould regarded Fairfax as the best player he ever coached, he said “that whereas there were three Ellas and the whole was greater than the three parts, there was only one Fairfax.”Classicwallabies.com
    In the immortal words of Elton John, “and I would have liked to know you, but I was just a kid”, the same applied to my knowledge and experience of Russell Fairfax as I only have vague memories of this silky player. Through research and anecdotal quotes, a quite brilliant player was unearthed. A fan favourite with his long, flowing blonde hair, good pace, terrific swerve, security under the high ball and capable tackling, he had it all.
    The golden-haired boy who played for Sydney as an eighteen year-old sixth former who needed permission for leave to play while at school! “Fairfax was an exhilarating runner of great flair, to appreciate what union missed, his first four seasons of league in 1974/77 encapsulates all that was brilliant about him,” reported sheek The Roar 2023. Yes, as with Michael O’Connor, his time in rugby union was all too brief with only eight Tests for the Wallabies from 1971 to 1973. He lit up the rugby world like how Mark Ella and David Campese would do in following years.

    Russell Lance Fairfax was born in Sydney NSW in 1952, but grew up in Sorrento, Victoria with his army-based father, playing Australian Rules. They then moved to Ipswich, Queensland where he played rugby league before another move to Sydney, where he attended Matraville High. Fairfax played league in his younger years, before joining the Randwick rugby union club where he briefly played grade rugby before first grade. His flair was noticed and he was selected for the Junior Wallabies versus the Springboks in 1971 and then a Test debut against the French under coach Bob Templeton. He partnered John Hipwell in his Test debut on the tour of France. Injury disrupted his 1972 season when he toured New Zealand with the infamously named “Woeful Wallabies” side, but he made the tour of Wales, England and Italy in 1973.
    Russell Fairfax made the devastating news to rugby union that he had signed for the Eastern Suburbs rugby league club, making the Roosters his new home in 1974. The new club met with instant success when they won the premierships in 1974 and 1975 and Fairfax became a crowd favourite. Honours for Sydney and NSW followed and he seemed certain to be selected for Australia in rugby league. However, he suffered a career influencing broken leg in 1975 at the peak of his sporting career. He may not have been the same player again as he was in his debut season. Russell played in the unofficial World Club Challenge against St Helens in Sydney. Fairfax did score a wonderful try in the 1977 Amco Cup against Wests, before joining South Sydney in 1981 as his career began to fade.
    A stint as coach in 1990 for Easts came to an unfortunate end when he was sacked after losing twenty-three from thirty-six matches. He was named in the Sydney Roosters “Team of the Century’ from players who represented the club from 1908 to 2000.

    Russell Fairfax was a physical education teacher in the 1970s, but after retiring from professional sport he joined Fox Sports as a commentator, where he excelled. In 2017 he also stood as a councillor for the Randwick City Council.
    Fairfax is married with two children and in 2014 had intensive surgery for a brain injury, from which he recovered, but he stated that “he was lucky to be alive, with the hospital bills and intense rehabilitation also putting financial pressure on him.” Yahoo.com 2015

    I know more about Russell Fairfax than I did a week or so ago and all that I have heard is complimentary. A gifted player who brought excitement to rugby as few players do, those with unique talent, a maverick style and bravery to express themselves, the Campese’s, Spencer’s, Cullen’s and Ella’s of this world. The free spirits.
    Russell Fairfax fits right in.

    I conducted an interview with Russell Fairfax via Roar member sheek, with generous assistance from him, Russell’s partner Sharon and of course Russell himself, to whom I am grateful.

    Q1 – What influence did Geoff Mould have on your playing career?

    A1 – Enormous. He was my schoolteacher, rugby coach & life mentor. He remains a close friend. We had dinner with him recently. He had an extremely positive personality.

    Q2 – Who were the inspiring Rugby Union/Rugby League players you looked up to when young?

    A2 – Ken Catchpole (RU) & Arthur Beetson (RL).

    Q3 – What is your involvement with union/league today?

    A3 – I remain members of both clubs – Randwick Galloping Greens & Sydney Roosters. I regularly attend functions, both personally & for sponsors. I am also an unofficial mentor at both clubs.

    Q4 – Was it an easy decision to switch to Rugby League?

    A4- No, extremely difficult. My family was working class & I did it to support them. I switched for financial reasons. Keep in mind rugby union was amateur back in the 70s.

    Q5 – Are there any RU/RL players today who are “free spirits” like yourself, Mark Ella & David Campese?

    A5 – Unfortunately, none in RU at the moment. In RL, James Tedesco despite his responsibility load & Sam Walker for his youthful enterprise.

    Q6 – How is your health?

    A6 – in the main, okay. I turn 72 this year & I’m still enjoying life. I do a lot of walking, playing golf & now I have a granddaughter to dote on.











  • Ken Catchpole, taking us back to the sixties.

    Living the quiet country life in New Zealand meant we did not see the bright lights of London and the cultural change to rock and pop music with bands including the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Kinks. In later years I wondered what it would have been like to live there, closer to the action! I was too young to be truly aware of the “swinging sixties” which took place with blooming changes in art, music and fashion. There is that saying, however, that if you remember the sixties, you were not truly there!
    After researching the legendary Wallaby Ken Catchpole, I had the same wonder as to what it would have been like to be transported back to his time to witness one of the great rugby union players of our time. We rely upon the word of others as to his reputation as Australia’s finest halfback and even player. One of the few world-class players the All Blacks feared the most. Which may explain how his career was ended with the Colin Meads incident, but more on that later. They say that because something is new it must be better, but that does not apply to great Wallaby players of the past compared to the current squad of players. We must put our trust in journalists and fellow players who witnessed the career of Ken Catchpole that he was truly the best halfback in the world at that time.
    Former All Black Chris Laidlaw in his 1973 autobiography “Mud in Your Eye”, stated “Ken Catchpole has been the outstanding scrumhalf of the last decade. Others have made contributions to techniques in passing, kicking, and running, but as the supreme exponent of all the skills Catchpole stands beyond rivalry.”
    Bob Dwyer, former Australian rugby coach, in his first autobiography The Winning Way, rated Ken Catchpole as one of the five most accomplished Australian rugby players he had ever seen, citing him as the best in terms of “all-round ability.” Dwyer broke down when speaking of Catchpole in an interview on You Tube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dY+5ElplHc
    After the win against England on the 1966/67 Australian tour of the UK, the President of the English Rugby Union Duggie Harrison described Catchpole as the “greatest halfback of all time.”

    So what made Ken Catchpole so good? He was a player ahead of his time with an aura about him on and off the rugby field and a persona that demanded respect. Amazingly he was made captain of the Wallabies and made his Test debut at the tender age of only twenty-one against Fiji in 1961. He was not a great exponent of the dive pass but possessed a short, fast, technically perfect pass that sparked the outside backs into their open, running game. A complete halfback with superb skills in running and kicking that left an indelible mark on Australian rugby and influencing the select group of halfbacks to follow him. Former Wallaby Simon Poidevin summed up Catchpole as one of the most admired players in Australian rugby history, he added, “Affectionately known as “Catchy” to his team mates and rugby supporters around the world, Ken was a natural leader, an extraordinary athlete with blistering speed, amazing agility and a fearless spirit in taking on much bigger opponents.”

    Kenneth William Catchpole OAM was born 1939 in Paddington New South Wales and passed away aged seventy-eight in 2017. He attended The Scots College and Sydney University. He progressed through the grades at the Randwick Club and made his NSW debut against the British Lions in 1959 at age nineteen. At only twenty years he captained NSW versus the touring All Blacks in 1960. Catchpole toured South Africa as captain in 1961 and in 1963 toured there again under the inspiring leadership of John Thornett. Touring the UK in 1966/67 he assisted the team in beating the Welsh for the first time, also partnering Phil Hawthorne in the halves in some notable victories.

    Ken Catchpole was selected as captain for the series against the All Blacks in 1968, but tragically ended the match and his career with the Meads incident. Catchpole was lying in a ruck when “Pinetree” Meads unaware the halfback was trapped, grabbed his leg and pulled it in a “wishbone” fashion, tearing his hamstring off the bone and rupturing his groin muscles. It will depend on which rugby team you support, what version of the story you believe as to whether it was callously deliberate or not. Meads himself stated “I just reached in and grabbed one leg. I was going to tip him up. I didn’t know his other bloody leg was stuck at an angle. So, he did the splits.” Catchpole did not bear a grudge over the Meads incident, dismissing claims that it was deliberate and saying instead that: “It was more of a silly accident. He was just stupid”espn.com.au.
    At the age of twenty-eight Ken Catchpole’s career was over, but numerous accolades followed including being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, induction into the Australian Rugby Union and the IRB Halls of Fame.

    In a reflection of the state of Australian Rugby union and how difficult it must have been for a scrumhalf, he played twenty-seven Tests for Australia, winning nine, losing seventeen and the one draw for a 35% winning record. Catchpole was named as one of Australian rugby’s four “Invincibles” in 2013 by the Inside Rugby magazine.

    The man known as “Catchy” went on to be a commentator for the ABC’s rugby coverage and served as President of the NSW Rugby Union. Ken Catchpole died in Sydney 2017 after a lengthy battle with illness.

    A statue of Ken Catchpole was situated at the Sydney Football Stadium before I believe, being moved to Rugby Australia Headquarters immortalising the man and rugby player. But it is in the minds of those who saw him play that his deeds will be passed down from generation to generation, confirming his status as one of Australia’s greatest ever players. It has been fifty-five years since he last played, so we hope in another fifty years players like Catchpole are still revered.


















  • Vale JPR Williams-a tribute to a great player



    As we get older, we can admire the legendary rugby players from the past, who we can appreciate now for their status in the game of rugby union. Players who once upon a time were disliked, but secretly admired by Australian or New Zealand rugby followers. The players from the rest of the world will now form my theme of “favourite” players.
    Players who I distantly remember for their brilliance, courage and unique abilities. Those who are still revered fifty years later, did I just say fifty! How time flies.

    I will start with fullback, with the two prime candidates who shone out in my opinion, JPR Williams and Serge Blanco. After much research and thought I must go with the Welshman with the best sideboards and ankle high socks, JPR Williams. Blanco was a memorably brilliant player, but I feel a connection to JPR through the wonderful 1971 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, the drop goal at Eden Park which I was fortunate enough to witness and the role of Williams in the Barbarians versus All Blacks match in 1972. He also extended his legendary status on the Lions tour of South Africa in 1974 where the Lions stood up to the Springboks and were not intimidated. JPR represented Wales during their” Golden Era” in the 1970s. He performed alongside other notables as Gareth Edwards, Barry John and Derek Quinnell.

    John Peter Rhys Williams was born 1949 in Bridgend Wales and attended Brynteg Comprehensive School and studied medicine at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London. He qualified as a physician in 1973 and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1980.

    If Williams had ignored his father’s life advice, he may well have pursued a career in tennis where he was a high achieving player in his younger years. His father advised him that while playing amateur rugby he could continue his medical studies as well. “The day on which Williams lost to Howe at Bournemouth would be a crucial one in his opting for rugby. By losing in straight sets, he left time for his father, Dr Peter Williams, to drive him back to Wales to play for Bridgend in a match against Newport.

    Williams, still to win his first cap for Wales, arrived at the Brewery Field just in time for the 7.15pm kick-off and played a blinder. ‘I pulled off two tackles on Stuart Watkins, who was the Wales international winger at the time, and I think that cemented my selection for the tour of Argentina in 1968,’ he says.
    The Observer 2008

    The rugby world is glad he chose rugby, although JPR himself states that if he had to choose today, tennis would receive the nod. Rugby is too physical now and tennis is more lucrative, “you are more likely to have a long career in tennis than rugby,” JPR shared.

    When he shifted his attention from tennis to rugby, he gained notice and was awarded his first cap against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1969. He went on to make 55 appearances for Wales and captained the side five times. JPR took immense pride in the fact he never lost to England and the Welsh side won Grand Slams in 1971, 1976 and 1978. They also won six Triple Crown’s, the competition between the Home Unions.
    From 1971 to 1974 he made eight test appearances for the British and Irish Lions, winning both series against the All Blacks and South Africa. The drop goal he kicked from halfway broke the hearts of New Zealanders who saw their side lose 2-1. In a provincial match against North Auckland, he defiantly withstood continued attacks by the Going brothers single-handedly.

    The 1974 tour will be remembered for the ferocious rugby and the infamous “99” call by the Lions, a signal for the  team to attack the Boks, the idea being that the referee could not send of the whole team!

    Due to his medical career he made himself unavailable for the 1977 Lions tour to New Zealand. When playing for Bridgend against the All Blacks in 1976 Williams found himself at the bottom of a ruck, not the ideal place to be against the All Blacks and was ruthlessly exposed to the boots of John Ashworth. Ashworth stomped on William’s head twice, leaving a gash requiring thirty stitches on the sideline from his father Dr Peter Williams. Graham Mourie can be seen checking on the welfare of Williams. Steve Fenwick was told to take charge, thinking that JPR would be off to the hospital, amazingly he returned to the field and continued playing. Williams vowed to never play against the All Blacks again. His father made mention of the incident at the after match gathering and several All Blacks walked out. I have viewed it on video and Ashworth appears to do it deliberately, the old, “but I thought it was the ball ref.”

    JPR Williams eventually retired from international rugby in 1981 but continued his club career for Tondu Thirds into his fifties.
    Carwyn James described him as “fearless, uncompromising. The competitor of competitors.” Some say that Gareth Edwards is the greatest Welsh player, but others including Steve Fenwick concluded that Williams was the best. He was an attacking full-back with a lethal side-step and was a fearless defender.

    JPR is now retired in the farmland of Glamorgan, plays squash regularly and is one of the most recognizable figures in rugby. He was one of the inaugural inductees into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 1997.

    If Serge Blanco was a better, braver and more skillful full-back than JPR then he was truly an unbelievable player.
    JPR Williams, my favourite “rest of the world” full-back.


    http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/life-jpr-70-courageous-welsh-15920882