Rugby Shorts
The ‘greatest match ever played’ played between the Barbarians and New Zealand All Blacks meeting in the Final Challenge Match of 1973 was played on this day in rugby history. The Barbarians scored one of the most memorable tries in rugby history and went on to win 23 -11.
"People tend only to remember the first four minutes of the game because of the try, but what they forgot is the great deal of good rugby played afterwards, much of which came from the All Blacks," Gareth Edwards said of the match. "For us after the success of the 1971 Lions tour, which captured the imagination of the whole country, it was an opportunity to bring a lot of that side together again."
--- Visit the World Rugby Shop to purchase the ‘Greatest Match Ever Played’ DVD of the match. A must have for all serious rugby fans. ---
The All Blacks' highly successful tour was coming to a close, only a draw against Ireland had prevented them from achieving the Grand Slam. The Barbarians' side included some of the truly great players of the era, men such as Bennett, Carmichael, Duckham, Edwards, Gibson, McBride, Slattery, Pullin and JPR Williams.
The All Blacks too had players who will never be forgotten, Batty, Going, Kirkpatrick, Wyllie and Lambert.
The Try, ‘that’ try as it is known, is still used today as an outstanding illustration of the spirit of not just the Barbarians, but of the sport of Rugby Football.
The game is unlike most rugby today and featured constant attack and counter attack play. The wide open game is a hallmark of New Zealand sides but was played to perfection by the Barbarians on this day.
And also on this day in rugby history, Setanta transfer rugby rights to FOX Soccer
Rugby Birthdays
1972 - Keith Wood, Irish rugby player
