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Atiga, B.A.C.
Date of Birth:
05/05/1983
Representative Teams
Position:
Fullback
Biography:
Ben Atiga, whose All Black career lasted just six minutes, might be one of the best illustrations of some of the vagaries and anomalies abounding in modern, international rugby.
His brief All Black stint might also illustrate some of the inconsistencies and some of the hasty judgements to which selection panels, in their attempts to discover fresh stars, are often prone.
Atiga, too, was one of those prodigies who might be tagged as potential superstars in their mid teens and thus get locked into an identification system, in which a down-side can be not only a sudden tossing on the scrap-heap for them but also an over-looking of those players who may develop later.
An outstanding player at Auckland Grammar School, Atiga was a national secondary schools representative for three seasons, between the ages of 16 and 18. In 2002-03 he was in New Zealand colts sides and in the national under 19s in 2002.
His rise continued to be meteoric and after just one season in the Auckland side in the national provincial championship, during which he played a major role in a successful Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury, he was summoned into the All Blacks’ squad for the 2003 World Cup in Australia.
Atiga, who could play with equal facility at either fullback or centre, replaced the injured Ben Blair and as he had never at that stage played in the Super 12 and was chosen ahead of such iconic players as Christian Cullen and Andrew Mehrtens it was a major call by then coaches, John Mitchell and Robbie Deans.
Atiga’s only appearance in the World Cup was in the easy pool win over Tonga when he came from the reserves bench to replace Mils Muliaina for the last six minutes.
In 2009 one had to presume that was to be sum of his All Black career. Though he played in trials in each of the 2004 and 2005 seasons and made four appearances for the Junior All Blacks in 2005-06, he never appeared to be a serious contender for All Black selection in the subsequent five seasons.
Atiga spent five seasons between 2004-08 in the Blues, managing 45 matches but often missing out on the starting XV because of several other talented and versatile backs available to the franchise.
His most effective rugby was probably in the NPC and in the 2008 season his leadership qualities and maturity were rewarded with the captaincy of an admittedly struggling Auckland side. He shared in the Auckland Air New Zealand Cup-Ranfurly Shield triumphs of 2007, though he did not play in the ANZC final against Wellington.
Atiga was also in the side which won the provincial title in 2005 and by the end of 2008 had played 74 times for the union.
Atiga made himself unavailable for the 2009 Super 14 and his future, even though he was still only 25, was unclear. However, after a break of nearly six years it seemed unlikely he would make the All Blacks again, underlining another frustration from his brief All Black involvement.
Because of that and the tougher International Board eligibility regulations Atiga thus was unable to take advantage of his Samoan heritage to play for Manu Samoa, for whom no doubt he could have been a more than useful contributor.
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Black, N.W.
Date of Birth:
25/04/1925
Representative Teams
Position:
First five-eighth and halfback
Biography:
A selection oddity in the 1949 All Black team team to South Africa was the choice of three first-fives. Two, Jimmy Kearney and Red Delamore, were old hands, but Nev Black was very much a new chum. Born at Kawakawa on April 25,1925 and christened Neville Wyatt, he was one of the youngest, one of the smallest and, by some margin, the least experienced man in the back division. Including three trials, Black had only appeared in 10 first-class matches before selection.
Black had been one of the stars in Ponsonby's great team of 1948, distributing ball cleanly and efficiently to his outsides, while he was always ready to accept his own chances. He had come to Ponies the long way, being schooled in Rotorua and originally turning out for Te Papapa, a new club in post-war Auckland, but one which was unable to offer senior football. Like any ambitious young man. Black wanted to better himself, and Ponsonby reaped the benefit.
Before 1948 was very old, the New Zealand Herald was constantly noting his good play as Ponsonby cut loose. The Auckland selectors also noticed, because he was whistled up for the union's second match of the season. Auckland had a good year - the first team lost only once - and the young first-five attracted widespread attention for his free-running play.
In reviewing the season, the Rugby Almanack noted: 'Black ... played his way into the New Zealand side by consistent football, characterised by sharp attack, straight running, and sound defence.' Surprisingly, since the editors named him as a reserve to their New Zealand XV, hewasn't a Promising Player of the Year.
On tour in South Africa, as was expected, Black wasn't a first-stringer while Delamore hardly played at all. Kearney got the big games and all the harassment Hennie Muller and his mates could bring to bear.
In view of the team's lousy record - they lost seven and drew three of 24 fixtures - Black was in an unusual position in the party; the All Blacks were unbeaten in the first ten fixtures he played. Without being spectacular, he was doing the little things well, despite some slow service from inside. Thereby hangs a tale.
The All Blacks had real problems at halfback, which had started well before the side boarded their ship. Tetzlaffwas unavailable while Vince Bevan was excluded on the 'no Maoris' clause. These two were, by some distance, the best in the country, and Des Barchard, who would have been a candidate, had transferred to league. The cupboard was pretty bare.
The chosen halfbacks, Larry Savage and Bill Conrad, were hammered up and down the Republic. Their first-fives suffered with them. Savage had no great length on his pass while Conrad was too slow clearing the ball. In desperation, Black was given a run behind the pack against North-Eastern Districts, the 20th match of the tour.
Admittedly the opposition was amongst the weakest encountered all tour, but the All Black backs functioned well. Black's passes were described as 'long and generally accurate' after a shaky start. It was felt that the experiment, while overdue, was worth repeating and he got the Orange Free State game as well. Again the All Black backs went smoothly, playing their best rugby of the tour in these two matches.
Ron Aldridge, a leading South African critic, noted that the tourists' backs 'played spectacular rugby' against North-Eastern, while Black was 'a success in his unaccustomed position' against Free State, and 'whenever the backline had the ball they were dangerous', due to the speed of their passing.
Not surprisingly, Black won the test job for the vital third match. There was a world of difference between provincial sides and the Springboks, however, and he had a tough day. In a match dominated by the home team's aggressive defence, the Boks were unconvincing 9-3 winners. In the circumstances, Black's less-than-impressive outing was understandable. Less understandable was the fact he was never to play for his country again, despite his youth.
Ignored in 1950, when New Zealand had all kinds of trouble filling the first-five role, he was described as 'always reliable if not as brilliant as two years before'. A year later he didn't have one of his better seasons, not helped by the Auckland selectors shuffling through an extraordinary number of five-eighth combinations. At the end of 1951 he accepted an offer from British rugby league club Wigan, and had six seasons in England.
A slight man, at 5' 6" (1.68m) and 11 stone (70kg), Black was one of the attacking types of five-eighth who struggled to stand up to marauding flankers. After reports of Muller's success, this player popped up all over New Zealand. Some were constructive, as Muller was, but many simply made running rugby a painful experience. Defence ruled, and would do so for the next 20 years.
Inside backs became Aunt Sallys, and it took some resilience, and an educated boot, to play there. A running five-eighth took his playing life into his hands every time he had a dart. Over the next two decades, as New Zealand back play slipped into a deep trough, the loss of the Neville Black-type player was keenly lamented.
On his return to New Zealand Neville Black played league for the Ngongataha club 1957-60. Initially a woolclasser he went into business in Rotorua as a garage proprietor.
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Boggs, E.G
Date of Birth:
28/03/1922
Representative Teams
Position:
Wing Three - quarter
Biography:
Eric Boggs has been, for much of his long career in rugby, one of the more outspoken and controversial figures in the game. A winger with real pace and class, good enough to play for the Kiwi Army team and the All Blacks, he was a heavy try-scorer for Ponsonby and Auckland before his playing days ended in 1950. Later, he coached both club and province, ruffling feathers along the way, but normally getting results.
Eric George Boggs was born in Whangarei on March 28,1922 and first appeared in Auckland rugby for the old Training College club. In the early years of the war, players were coming and going at a great rate, and the 19-year-old soon stood out with his powerful, hard running. During the limited war-time programme. Boggs was a first-choice selection and one of the leading try-scorers.
Joining the army, he appeared for various service teams while still in New Zealand; the Countess of Ranfurly's Own (now remembered only by those with long memories and trivia buffs) in 1942, and Army in 1943. He also played for Wellington in 1943, during a posting to Trentham, before he headed overseas. He was back at the end of 1944 and had one game for Auckland. In 1945 he was in Europe.
One of the notable figures of the trials for the 2nd NZEF team (the Kiwis), he made 22 appearances for this famous combination and continued dotting down at a good rate, picking up 15 tries along the way. All four wingers - Boggs, Bill Meates, Wally Argus and Jim Sherratt - were of the highest class, so competition for places was always fierce. The first three were post-war All Blacks, while Sherratt, the oldest of the group, was one of the stars of the tour.
The Kiwis played five matches in New Zealand in 1946 before disbanding;
Boggs played in three and showed good form. Auckland selector Fred Lucas thought enough of him to break up his established backline, and was duly rewarded with several excellent tries. Boggs was commended for his pace and skill, special mention being made of his ability to beat his man on the outside, while he was 'always looking for the unorthodox'.
He didn't make the North Island team but did play the second test against Australia, where he had the unenviable task of looking after Charlie Eastes, the flying Aussie who was the Kirwan of his day. Eastes scored one try and gave Boggs all kinds of trouble (this was by no means unique to Boggs; as Eastes gave everyone all kinds of trouble), but the All Blacks scraped home, 14-10, mainly thanks to Bob Scott's kicking.
Boggs spent the next two years playing mainly for Auckland, where 'his determination and cleverness made him a constant source of danger to the opposition'. The 1948 season was one of his best and there was little doubt he would be in the touring party for South Africa. He had played a big part in Ponsonby's championship blitz, running in 20 tries, an Auckland record, and scoring in most of his matches. Ponsonby was strong, Auckland was strong, both teams gave the ball plenty of air and a winger of Boggs' class was bound to benefit.
The South African tour of 1949 wasn't a memorable experience. As is well known, the team record wasn't great and the Ponsonby winger was restricted by injury to only seven appearances, including the first test. The pressure applied to the backs throughout the tour meant he scored only one try, the most miserable return for a season's work in his career. He played two further matches for Auckland in 1950, and then left rep rugby with a record of 38 tries in 42 games for the province.
Boggs couldn't stay away from the game and soon returned as Ponsonby coach, a position he held on and off for years. He took the seniors to Gallaher Shield success in 1954, to Japan in 1968 and many varied experiences in between. He was selector-coach of Auckland as early as 1953, when he and Johnny Simpson were two of the youngest selectors the province has ever had, and again from 1973 to 1977. Despite several nominations in the intervening twenty years, he had always been overlooked.
His second term in charge was notable for a Ranfurly Shield run, from 1974-76, a notorious curfew in 1973, after the team had been massacred in Christchurch, rows with players, most notably Andy Haden, and mixed results. A disciplinarian, as one would expect from a school teacher of his era, he sometimes appeared out of tune with the new generation of players, but his team could and did win big games.
A willing worker on the Ponsonby committee during the 50s and 60s, despite occasional periods of ill-health, Boggs maintained close connections with the club for 25 years. If Ponsonby ever needed a coach, particularly at senior level, he would often step into the breach at short notice, and then probably remain in charge for the next four years. While always capable of polarising opinions, there is no doubt that Eric Boggs has been a rugby stalwart, to the benefit of both Ponsonby and Auckland.
Weighing 12st. 12lb (82kg) and standing 5'10" (1.78m) at the time of the South African tour Boggs finished his teaching career as Headmaster of the Manukau Intermediate School. He was selector of the NZ Teachers' team 1972 and was honoured with the QSM in 1980.
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Bowden, N.J.G.
Date of Birth:
19/03/1926
Representative Teams
Position:
Fullback
Biography:
Noel Bowden had been an All Black in 1952, during a stint in Taranaki whom he represented 1950-53. A member of the well-known Ponsonby family, he was educated at Ponsonby Primary School and Auckland Grammar, 1st XV 1941-44. An all round sportsman, his long jump record of 22' 6", established in 1944, stood for many years. Played in the national tennis championships 1949.
He had served in the Navy during the war and entered Training College shortly after his return, playing for Auckland in 1947. After qualifying, he was moved around the country a bit, appearing briefly for Waikato before spending a few years in Taranaki.
Originally a centre, and a very good one at that, he moved back to fullback once Snow Cockerill, the 1951 All Black, was forced to retire after injury, and made such a good fist of it that he was picked for one test in 1952. In the days when a fullback's duty centred around his ability to catch, kick and tackle, Bowden was a strong performer at the back.
His one test match was won, 15-8, and Bowden was commended in the press for 'a fine performance'. Despite that, he wasn't always Taranaki's first choice, and when Scott made himself available for the 1953 tour, the fullbacks were always going to be the master and Jack Kelly.
Twenty-eight years of age when he returned to Ponsonby in 1954, Bowden was winding his rep career down; indeed, he managed only a couple of appearances in Auckland colours from his old club. Shortly afterwards, he was on the move again, this time to Wanganui.
After ending his teaching career Bowden settled back in Auckland, and returned to the old family stamping-ground at Ponsonby, He has been active in the affairs of the Old Boys Association and is currently (1999) President of that Body.
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Brooke - Cowden, M.
Date of Birth:
12/06/1963
Representative Teams
Position:
Flanker
Biography:
If ever there has been a talented young rugby player in the wrong place at the wrong time, it's Mark Brooke-Cowden, who, within a year of winning an All Black jersey as an openside flanker, had to compete with the great Michael Jones for a place. Given Jones' form until his first knee injury, that was Mission Impossible, and Brooke-Cowden soon packed up and headed for a league career in England.
Born in Auckland on June 12, 1963, Mark Brooke-Cowden had rugby in his family, and Ponsonby rugby at that. A nephew of the Tokis, of whom Leon was the best known at Ponies, he was also a great-grandson of Wiri Nehua, a member of the 1888-89 Native team.
A product of Mt Albert Grammar, he served the usual apprenticeship on his way up at Ponies, and had two years in the Auckland Colts, 1983-84. He also had his first three matches for Auckland in 1984, but with Grant Dickson, Alan Whetton and Wayne Shelford around, there weren't many loose forward spots available in the top team. The formation of North Harbour in 1985 removed Shelford, and an early injury accounted for Dickson, so the young flanker had a chance which was eagerly accepted.
He won consistent praise for his work, special mention being made of his ball recovery and defensive skills. He made the New Zealand Maori team for the first time, completing a notable family record and was being noticed in high places as a real prospect. By one of those flukes of timing, he was rested immediately after the Ranfurly Shield win in Christchurch, and his replacement, Michael Jones, first gave notice of his immense promise by scoring three tries at Timaru.
Brooke-Cowden had his biggest season in 1986. A mighty contributor to Ponsonby's double, he was Auckland's top flanker and virtually ever-present in the Shield holder's team. Then the Cavaliers' tour to South Africa removed the top 30 players from the previous season and suddenly there were test spots available when France toured here.
When the 'Baby Blacks' were announced, the Auckland flyer was on the openside flank, a selection few quibbled with. Indeed, he would have been close to selection on form anyway had the Cavaliers been available. He impressed against France and held his place against Australia. During that series he scored his first test try, at Wellington, as a reward for his ability to read a game and then be on the spot. The Aussies professed themselves highly impressed with his ability and were not unhappy when he was omitted for the last test in favour of Jock Hobbs. Since Hobbs was the tour captain to France, Brooke-Cowden was limited to minor matches and played only three times. Injury to Hobbs before the World Cup meant a vacancy on the open side, but Jones made no race of that with a series of stand-out displays early in the season. Since Auckland could also field Whetton and Zinzan Brooke, the field was becoming very crowded.
Brooke-Cowden made the cup squad but was clearly the back-up. Even then, when Jones was rested for the Argentina game, he didn't play - Brooke, not Brooke-Cowden, filled the No 7 shirt. His only appearance was in the semi-final, played on a Sunday. New Zealand demolished Wales, 49-6, and Brooke-Cowden also notched his second and final test try.
His form was still good, but there was now an exceptional trio in place. They were still young, and would be around for a while yet; Jones would clearly hold a place for years, Whetton was possibly the stand-out player of the cup and Shelford was being groomed for captaincy. A back-up role was the only option and with versatile players like Brooke and Brewer capable of playing all three loose positions, the future wasn't rosy. New Zealand has a long tradition of magnificent loose forwards, but there has seldom been more strength in depth than in 1987. When Leeds came calling, he had to be interested. Playing top-level football was going to involve a change of address anyway, so why not a change of code and a decent salary? Leeds got their man and nobody here could fault the decision.
Because he played in England rather than Australia, Mark Brooke-Cowden became something of a forgotten man. There was little coverage of league before the Winfield Cup really kicked in during the late 80s and British league might as well have been on Mars. Without having a sensational career - something unlikely anyway, given the role he was often cast in - he was a sterling servant of his British club for a number of years before retiring and returning to New Zealand.
Accidents of time and place conspired against Brooke-Cowden. Like Norm Hewitt, he had to take a back seat to one of the all-time greats. If he had come to the front five years earlier or later, his name could have been placed in the Valhalla of great New Zealand loose forwards, because he had that sort of ability.
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Brown, O.M.
Date of Birth:
24/10/1967
Representative Teams
Position:
Prop
Biography:
Of all the All Blacks who played through the 1990s, none had a lower profile than the rock solid tighthead prop Olo Brown. Firstly, under the coaching of Laurie Mains in 1992-95, and then of John Hart in the years between 1996 and 1998, he was invariably an automatic selection.
He was the cornerstone of the pack with his technique and straightness of back and was rated by scrummaging experts as one of the finest props to play for New Zealand at any time. His provincial and test teammate, Sean Fitzpatrick, swore by his prowess and few scrums anchored by Brown were ever bettered.
Around the field, too, he was a competent player capable of also playing at hooker. He also had above-average intelligence, having had a fine academic record at Auckland's Mt Albert Grammar, and even when the game had become professional, continued with a "real" job as a chartered accountant.
Yet despite being highly articulate, the lack of public profile was all Brown's doing. He was even more reluctant to provide media interviews than his fellow Ponsonby club member, and All Black predecessor, Joe Stanley. The few times Brown was interviewed only came from pressure being applied on him by All Black management.
But Brown's deeds on the field certainly spoke loudly, though recognition of his ability at national level did come slowly. Even though being singled out by Auckland scouts as a rare prospect, Brown was overlooked for the 1988 New Zealand Colts side.
By 1989, though, he had become a regular Auckland selection, ousting Peter Fatialofa, another Ponsonby man, as a first choice. From then on, Brown formed with Fitzpatrick and firstly Steve McDowell, and then Craig Dowd, a magnificent front row that provided yeoman service for both Auckland and the All Blacks.
Brown's first match for the All Blacks was in 1990 when, because of injuries, he was summoned from a development tour of Canada to appear in a midweek match in France. But he had to wait until 1992 for his test cap when Mains brought him in for the second test against Ireland.
For the next six years the only break in Brown's test sequence came at the 1995 World Cup in South Africa when he was rested for the romp against Japan. He achieved many distinctions, including the historic series win in South Africa in 1996 and as a mainstay of the Blues sides in the first three seasons of the Super 12.
In 1998 Brown's long test career came to a sudden halt. He injured his neck and back in the tri-nations test in South Africa and was forced out of the season's finale against Australia, being replaced by Kees Meeuws. Ironically, the afternoon he was forced to withdraw from the test against the Wallabies coincided with one of his few media conferences. Brown, a forlorn figure as he sat on the grass at Auckland's University club, could not avoid the many journalists who had been at the training to learn first hand of his misfortune.
Brown never formally retired. But he never recovered from what had proven to be a grievous injury and was never seen again in action at any level. Brown had the distinction of becoming the first All Black prop to reach 50 tests and at the time of his premature departure from the game had 56 caps.
How much he was missed was underlined the following year at the World Cup when the All Blacks lack of experience and hardness up front were exposed.
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Carson, W.N
Date of Birth:
16/07/1916
Representative Teams
Position:
Flanker
Biography:
Bill Carson has a hallowed position in New Zealand sport as he is one of the elite group of seven who are recognised as double All Blacks, having played for the country in the main winter and summer codes of rugby and cricket.
Carson's chief claim to fame was probably in cricket. An accomplished left hander, Carson, who was powerfully built at around 1.83m (6ft) and more than 90kg (14st), was a punishing batsman and a lively medium pace bowler.
In the 1936-37 season Carson and another Auckland batsman, Paul Whitelaw, shared a world record second wicket stand of 445 against Otago. That won him a place on the 1937 tour of England. He had difficulty adjusting to English wickets and had a modest return of only 627 runs and an average below 20. He failed to make any of the test sides. But with his bowling he took 14 wickets and was second in the averages.
As he was only 21 during the cricket tour he obviously still had many years ahead of him to reach his potential.
But in the late 1930s he elected to concentrate on his rugby where in his schoolboy days in Gisborne he had shown as much promise as his cricket. A member of the Gisborne Boys High 1st XV in 1933 he had represented Poverty Bay Juniors as a midfield back.
Playing for the Ponsonby club in Auckland, Carson in the 1936-38-39 seasons made 18 representative appearances for the union and in each of the 1938-39 season played for the North Island.
He was chosen for the All Blacks' 1938 tour of Australia, even if his selection was not unanimously acclaimed. Auckland critics were convinced he was a brilliant forward but Wellington-based judges deemed him to have been lucky. As with his cricket tour the previous year, Carson enjoyed only qualified success as an All Black.
Because of an injury he received only three minor matches, against Combined Western, Newcastle and Federal Capital Territory, and was not required for any of the three tests.
But Carson, only 22, was seen as a fine prospect for the future and after playing in the trials in 1939 was generally seen as a likely inclusion in the All Black side to tour South Africa in 1940. In his 1968 book, "Haka", commentator Winston McCarthy suggested that because of his versatility Carson would have been chosen as a prop.
World War II, though, caused the cancellation of the tour to South Africa and spelled not only the end of Carson's cricket and rugby but also his life. Carson served in the war with distinction, winning the Military Cross and rising to the rank of Major.
But he was severely wounded in Italy in 1944 and whilst on a hospital ship returning to New Zealand he contracted jaundice from which he died. He was aged only 28.
His biography, "W N Carson Footballer & Cricketer" by A H Carman, was published in 1947.
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Carter, G.
Date of Birth:
09/04/1854
Representative Teams
Position:
Forward
Biography:
George Carter was born at Auckland on 9 April 1854 and was therefore the third man alive who would ultimately represent New Zealand at rugby. Only Ned Davy (born in 1850) and Peter Webb (two months older than Carter) have earlier birthdays among the more than 1000 All Blacks. Carter's association with rugby dates back to the code's earliest days in Auckland.
Rules were not standardised until 1873 in the Queen City, although football of various descriptions (mainly Victorian Rules) had been played there since at least 1866. The Auckland history records that a match under rugby rules was played between the Auckland Football Club and Thames in 1872. Carter was a member of the Auckland side - he played his entire career with the Auckland club - and, if the date is accurate, was 18 years old at the time. Although Auckland scored a try, the match could only be won by kicking a goal and was declared a draw.
Rugby rules were more widely accepted in 1873 and by 1874 rugby had become the preferred code. New clubs were forming - there were at least six in 1874 - and a year later the Aucklanders felt confident enough in their prowess to undertake a nationwide tour. This team, the Auckland Combined Clubs, is now accepted as the first first-class side in New Zealand rugby history and the match with Dunedin Clubs, played on 22 September at the Southern Recreation Ground in Dunedin, as the first representative match in this country.
While Auckland's results were not good - they suffered five heavy defeats in as many matches - the ice had been broken. Carter had been a member of the touring team and was among the first 30 players to appear in New Zealand representative rugby. Although normally a forward, he was one of Auckland's three fullbacks in that first rep. match. He represented Auckland for nearly a decade, although matches were few and far between. He was normally one of the first men picked and played in the second New South Wales match in 1882, when Auckland gave the tourists a hiding, 18-4.
He was still going strong in 1883 when the newly-formed Auckland union played its first matches. Carter played all three games that season in the halfback position, although the difference wasn't as great as it would be today.
Subtleties weren't clearly understood 120 years ago. In fact, rugby was a distinctly unsubtle game. Since it was believed that heeling the ball back in a scrummage put all the forwards offside, the nine men in the vanguard tried to hack, barge and bully the ball towards their opponent's goal. If by some chance the ball escaped this heaving, sweating pack it was the backs' job to kick a goal (the first choice), score a try if possible or boot it into touch, from where it could be returned to the forwards. Not until Seddon and Stoddart brought their British team over in 1888 was it understood that a forward still bound in the scrummage wasn't put offside by his colleagues heeling the ball back.
New Zealand rugby men were pleasantly surprised by the good results against the New South Wales team in 1882 and when an invitation for a return tour was extended in 1884 it was quickly accepted. As the four unions then in existence all supported the venture, each was invited to nominate players to make up the team. Carter, by now a veteran, wasn't among the original choices but was one of two men invited to replace other Aucklanders (Bob Whiteside, Frank Clayton, himself a replacement, and J.C. Webster) who withdrew after selection.
Carter played at wing forward in the match against Wellington and is therefore among the original 15 New Zealand representatives. He appeared in six of the eight matches in Australia, including two of the three against New South Wales. Although a midget by today's standards, the 11st (70kg) Carter won praise from manager Samuel Sleigh, who wrote: "No amount of knocking around seemed to have the slightest effect on this hard-working forward." He played no more representative rugby after this tour.
For some reason Carter's name appears on the Ponsonby club's honours board as one of their All Blacks, although he never had any connection with that body. When the board was prepared, in the 1960s, accurate information about many early All Blacks was lacking and perhaps there were some vague stirrings in a long memory about the bearded old-timer. However, it is now known for sure that his only contact with Ponsonby was in friendly battle.
George Carter died at Auckland on 1 April 1922.
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Colling, G.L.
Date of Birth:
27/08/1946
Representative Teams
Position:
Halfback
Biography:
Lin Colling came to Ponsonby from Otago in 1974, shortly after his All Black career closed. He had been Sid Going's understudy in 1972 and 1973, playing 21 matches for New Zealand but not getting a test. However, he was often seriously considered when test teams were being selected and kept the North Auckland champion under severe pressure at what was the peak of his career.
Born in Cromwell and educated at Cromwell District High School Colling represented Otago from 1967 to 1973, appeared for the South Island 1969,72,73 and in NZ trials 1970-76. After playing on the All Blacks' 1972 internal tour he was selected for the 1972/3 tour of the British Isles. He also played in the Scottish RFU centenary matches and on the 1973 internal tour.
The key to Colling's rugby was a rapid, accurate pass, considered to be far better than Going's, or that of any other halfback in the country. Playing at Carisbrook in the early 70s demanded good handling from every back, and here Colling certainly wasn't found wanting. He could run when the opportunity presented itself, without the devastating effect of his main rival and was tidy and precise in all aspects of general play.
It was no coincidence that Colling's arrival at Ponsonby and the club's return to the top happened together. He hadn't been with the club long before he stepped into a coaching role with the seniors and, together with Bryan Williams, did the fine-tuning necessary to lift the team from also-rans to winners. His own ability and acute tactical awareness certainly helped materially. He was the first Ponsonby captain for 22 years to accept the Gallaher Shield when he stepped forward after a tense final day in 1976. The shield sat nicely alongside the McEvoy Trophy, gathered earlier in the year; this represented only the fourth 'double' ever achieved to that point.
Since ending his active playing days. Coiling has made a big impact as a coach, especially with development teams. He is one of the outstanding coaching figures in Auckland at present and has been involved at national level. A short stint as New Zealand selector ended, many felt prematurely, with Colling seemingly a victim of the political manoeuvring which occasionally results in odd decisions coming from headquarters.
Auckland and Ponsonby reaped the benefit, as he has returned to give his considerable rugby knowledge to local players. His name often crops up when some star of today is asked to name a coach who has been influential in his career. He has also dedicated many years to the club at committee level; nobody played a more important role in securing the use of the outer grounds at Western Springs for the club's use. Colling's election to Life Membership was made at the 1998 AGM, a fitting tribute to an outstanding man of rugby and one which every member of the club would heartily endorse.
Two of Lin's brothers, Don and John, and nephew's, Michael and Tim , also represented Otago at rugby whilst a niece, Belinda, has appeared for New Zealand at netball and basketball.
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Cunningham, W
Date of Birth:
08/07/1874
Representative Teams
Position:
Lock
Biography:
Bill Cunningham was one of the last two players chosen for the 1905-06 Originals tour of Britain, he and the Taranaki wing Bunny Abbott only being added to the side after the preliminary matches in Australia and New Zealand were all but completed.
Cunningham, who had played for Auckland against the tourists prior to their departure for Australia, was added when it became clear a scrummaging forward of his type had been sorely missed in the Australian games.
But while he was among the last to be chosen for the touring part, Cunningham proved himself to be not the least of those trailblazing All Blacks. Joining the side for the last of the warmup matches before boarding ship, against Wellington, Cunningham played in 23 of the matches in Britain and France, including three of the internationals against Scotland, Ireland and France.
Because of injuries he missed the international against England and that against Wales, where his absence may have been a factor in the 3-0 loss. His missing this match has never been properly explained but it can be presumed it was because he was not fully fit. In his tour book, manager George Dixon, said the team suffered by the absence of Cunningham and of the backs, Billy Stead and George Smith. While the reasons for their unavailability were not detailed Dixon added New Zealand did field the best available team.
Though used as a breakaway in the pack against France with Fred Newton at lock, Cunningham was at his best in the latter position.
At about 1.80m and around 93kg, Cunningham was not a big man by modern rugby standards. But 100 years ago he was a powerhouse with a physique seen as ideal for anchoring the 2-3-2 scrum.
Though most of his major rugby was for Auckland, where he was a member of firstly the City and then the Ponsonby clubs, Cunningham was very much a product of the rural areas of the old Auckland province and he first became a representative from Waihi in the old Goldfields subunion.
Most of his early working life was spent as an axeman and his years in the bush helped him develop his barrel chest and strong arms and hands.
His natural fitness enabled him to have a long career and he continued playing until he was nearly 40.
After playing first for the national side in 1901, against Wellington and New South South Wales, he was overlooked until his recall at the age of 31 for the Originals' tour.
Despite his age he retained his All Black place for the 1907 tour of Australia and then for the three test series against the Anglo Welsh in 1908, playing for New Zealand for the last time at the age of 34.
But he continued at top level for some years after that and in 1910, on another tour of Australia, and in 1912 he was in New Zealand Maori sides.
Cunningham represented Auckland between 1899 and 1913, his lengthy representative span giving him 45 matches for the union. These included many notable occasions such as the first Ranfurly Shield game against Wellington in 1904 and several defences during Auckland's 1905-13 era and also four games by the province against touring sides. Cunningham, indeed, had an enviable, unbeaten record for Auckland against international teams.
He was in the team which beat New South Wales in 1901, converting three tries with what was a useful boot, against Great Britain in 1904, scoring a try in the 13-0 win, against the Anglo Welsh in 1908 and finally as captain against Australia in 1913.
With his 45 games for Auckland, 39 including nine internationals for his country and matches for North Island (1902 and 1908) and for New Zealand Maori Cunningham finished with the rare feat for a player of his times of more than a century (103) of first class games.
Cunningham was noted for his cheerfulness and his determined optimism.
Once when he had given chase to a noted sprinter in a vain attempt to stop a try he was asked by his team-mates as the conversion was being taken why he had bothered when his task was so hopeless. "Because," replied Cunningham, "he might have dropped dead."
He served as an Auckland selector in 1920.
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