|
Observers of the young Allan Hewson considered him too slight and fragile to be command any position on a rugby field, let alone a slot as physically demanding as full back. 201 points in 19 internationals, a world record haul in a test match and countless successful "clutch" spot kicks proved the sceptics very wrong indeed. The beauty of rugby, at least in the amateur days, was that there was a place in the side for any man, large or small, and what Allan lacked in size and strength he more than made up for with speed and native technique. His first taste of the big time came in a successful series against the Scots in 1981, followed by a much more difficult rubber against the Springboks. With the series tied at one apiece, it all came down to the last few seconds of the third test. Opposing fly half Naas Botha had uncharacteristically missed a great chance to win the game with a conversion attempt and the scores stood at 22-22. New Zealand were then awarded a penalty and the hopes of a nation rested on Allan's narrow shoulders. Rather than shy away from the task, Allan was a picture of calm and composure and slotted the ball home as easily as he would have done on the practice field. The year after though saw perhaps his greatest performance, another series decider, this time against Australia. The Aussies looked set fair when Allan's opposite number Roger Gould ran in a great try within a minute of the kick off. But whatever Gould could do, Allan proved he could do just as well and five minutes later he scored himself in the opposite corner, ramming home the conversion for good measure. The match was close until half-time, but then Allan turned the screw, and eventually ended up with 26 points out of 33, a world record. He gave two more years service to New Zealand, and scored a total of 201 points, just 6 short of Don Clarke's then All Black record. (Jon Collins)
|