Barbarians v All Blacks 1973
The Barbarian match with the All Blacks in 1973 was undoubtedly a tremendously enjoyable game in which to play, with both sides playing quality, not carefree rugby. It was a game of attack and counter attack with, in that time-honoured phrase, Rugby Football the winner. The most memorable moments of that day are vividly recalled: G.O. Edwards’ try, that set the standard; David Duckham’s exhilarating play; Grant Batty’s two thrilling tries; the singing and reception of the crowd, and winning.
That Try 1973
“Kirkpatrick to Williams. This is great stuff. Phil Bennett covering, chased by Alistair Scown. Brilliant, Oh, that’s brilliant. “John Williams… Pullin, John Dawes. Great dummy. David, Tom David, the half-way line. Brilliant by Quinnell. This is Gareth Edwards. A dramatic start. What a score.”
That is how Cliff Morgan described the try by Gareth Edwards, not only the most famous in Barbarians but perhaps rugby history. The game was only four minutes old when the Welsh half-back pair of Phil Bennett and Gareth Edwards started and finished the move.
Edwards remembers the day vividly. He says:
The game against the All Blacks is one I will never forget and those of us who played in it will never be allowed to forget. It is a match that will live with me forever.
“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.”
“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.”
