HISTORY OF RUGBY IN NEW ZEALAND
The Springbok tour was a very significant event to New Zealand and caused a divide amoung people. In New Zealand, sport has impacted many people and has been something, which united New Zealanders and made them proud of their country. For a country that is relatively small, sporting success is very significant with it impacting an international stage. Rugby had been played in New Zealand since prior to the 1960’s, and in the early days it was seen as a way of challenging the exuberant behaviour of men into an environment where rules were needed. During the early twentieth century, rugby became increasingly popular in New Zealand with more children beginning to start secondary school.
This was a time in New Zealand where Maori and Pakeha connections weren’t as progressed as they are today, however rugby was where they could play on equal terms. New Zealand’s first international rugby games began in 1905 in the Tour to Britain by the All Blacks. The All Blacks played impressively in the tour and won against the English, Irish and the Scots. They did however lose to wales on this tour, which was their first loss. At this point in time the All Blacks had only 22 points scored against them, which was the lowest of any team. The All Black then received the nickname ‘The Originals’. The All Blacks became famous in New Zealand with a large support system. Crowds would surround them on departing and leaving the country for different tours. Prime minister at the time Richard Seddon was very proud of the All Blacks with him suggesting that in every school a photograph of the All Blacks should be hung. The All Blacks then received the nickname ‘The Invincibles’ because of their tour to Britain in 1924, where they won every one of their games. |
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