The Silver Fern

@higgins
Jack Alabaster was my maths teacher at Southland Boys, I had the privilege of being caned by him. There was no mistaking that legspin tweak in the delivery.

Hoorah. I get a unique opportunity for old fart self-puffery.
Here goes. Two seasons playing with Mark Shaw in London.
Played against Nigel Wray (fullback at Old Milhillians); played cricket with him. Same team as George Milford Haven, the Queen's cousin. Got tackled by JPR Williams in a charity match. Took out, in a serious way, Stu Wilson and Bernie Fraser (Stringfellows and Tramp) the Thursday before the England test. Buy me a beer, and I'll tell you how that ended.
My brother-in-law played for Canterbury against the '71 Lions. Took Bob Burgess for dinner the next UK tour.
Many a glass with George Best at Rags, and Blondes.
Sorry for the ancient history young fellas.

The Fern lets me through the defences again, to unload some ancient history.
What about that fourth test against the Boks in 1956?
It was a time when New Zealand had a monolithic rugby culture. There was national unity in the desire to beat these more-than-lifesized invaders. That desire was the highest form of passion allowed a Kiwi bloke.
Selwyn Toogood commentated. Peter Jones scored the clinching try. And we heard the word “buggered” for the first time on air.
I argue that no game since has mattered as deeply to a larger percentage of New Zealander’s.

@Bovidae
Yep. I'm going.
Wind and snow in the high country.
Needs must, a warm-up pint of IPA at Murpys.

How about music.
Friend and business partner managed Paul McCartney. I was backstage a lot, at tour venues.
One night with Sting, private balcony, in an Eastern European club. I left at 4, after he had taken two (yup 2) Es.
Rod Stewart bought a car off me. Reg. DPM8.
Jeff Beck is a friend of my ex. Often plays for friends at house parties.
Somebody stop me. A vicious trolling will do it.

@taniwharugby
When Mark Shaw was 20, he was playing for Belsize Park RFC in London. Rare was the Saturday when the opposing forward pack was not enraged and outraged. He had a talent for generating power with a punch that travelled no more than 12 inches.

Peeve provoking rugby comments.
“run the cutter”
“early doors”
“could of”, “would of”, “should of”
interrogative “eh” spelled “aye”
“complimentary” players/playing styles
“mouth-watering”
“decimated” meaning just about anything but decimated
“rich vein of”
not sure about “handbags.

@booboo Thank you. Not that you are asking, but a) neglecting homework, b) being a smart-arse, c) three strokes.
Respect to Ross Taylor and for his fine achievements.

New Zealanders.