From The Vaults

Remembering the 1924 all blacks

In any discussion of the greatest men's international rugby teams of all time, there are a number of sides that get a mention. Both Richie McCaw and Siya Kolisi have led their sides to back-to-back Rugby World Cup success. England's all-conquering 2003 side are a favourite in England. And the red -shirted 1970s sides of Wales and the British and Irish Lions are full of players revered to this day. Those in the know, however, namecheck a side whose credentials in many ways surpass all others…the Invincibles.

The All Blacks were already a known quantity in 1924. Their touring predecessors, the 1905 Originals, had arrived in Britain with little reputation but left having brought almost the entire northern hemisphere to heel. Since then they had recorded a series victory over the British side in 1908 and earned a series draw with South Africa in 1921.

As had been the practice in New Zealand for many years, the side operated a 2-3-2 scrum formation, with the eighth man operating as a roving wing forward. This was an unpopular tactic in the North, who were unfamiliar with the practice, but was successful for New Zealand in part because of the contributions of two men from Hawke's Bay, Cyril and Maurice Brownlie. Towering over 6 ft, the two brothers were the engine room of the All Black scrum and a tireless presence in defence.

Though the New Zealand forwards were formidable, they were not simply a defensive side. In midfield, Wellington playmaker Mark Nicholls was halfway through an international career that would span almost a decade. His searching passes more often than not fed wings Jack Steel of West Coast and Wellington teammate Snowy Svenson.

The last line of defence in the All Black line up was arguably the side's greatest star. Hawke's Bay's full back George Nepia was as athletic as he was agile and strong. One of three Māori-born players in the squad, he would lead the haka and thrilled opposition supporters with his tenacity and all-round game.

A narrower victory against Newport followed before the side completed a series of matches at grounds more often associated with association football. They beat the North Midlands 40-3 at Villa Park, Durham 43-7 at Roker Park and a decent Lancashire side 23-0 at Old Trafford.

Their first international match came at Lansdowne Road against Ireland on 1st November. Captained by George Stephenson, the Irish side contained several players who would get within a whisker of a Grand Slam two seasons later. The Irish weather played its part as a torrential downpour gave way to persistent rain. The full backs Nepia and William Crawford did their best to stop their opponents attacking and the match was only settled in favour of the visiting side by a late Nicholls penalty and Svenson try.

All eyes then turned to Twickenham in anticipation of what was expected to be the toughest test yet. England, under the captaincy of Wavell Wakefield had won three Grand Slams in the past four seasons. Their pack was formidable with Sam Tucker, Ronald Cove-Smith, Freddie Blakiston, Geoff Conway and Tommy Voyce all in their prime. The English selectors had chosen to make changes amongst the backs however, with Harold Kittermaster favoured over Eddie Myers. Carston Catcheside and Harold Locke had also been replaced despite having successful seasons.

On 3 January 1925, 60,000 fans were in attendance well before kick-off and the febrile atmosphere perhaps contributed to the early ferocity of the contest. Referee Albert Freethy warned both sides for over vigorous play and sensationally showed a red card to Cyril Brownlie in the opening ten minutes. England capitalised with the game's opening try but a defiant New Zealand struck back with tries from Svenson and Steel to lead 9-3 at the break.

In the second half Maurice Brownlie drove over another try before Jim Parker added a fourth. Kittermaster scored a late consolation try for England but the fourteen-man All Blacks prevailed 17-11.

No fixture with Scotland was played but New Zealand completed their tour with a win over France in Paris, before playing and defeating Vancouver and Victoria on their way home across North America.

The side returned home having won 32 consecutive matches with no draws and no defeats. In the history of touring international rugby, no side has ever emulated their achievement.