The death of legendary All Blacks winger Stu Wilson has sparked reflection on a golden era of Springbok–All Blacks rivalry, and reignited debate over what rugby has lost in outlawing rucking, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane recalls the iconic 1981 series in New Zealand, where Wilson and fellow flyer Bernie Fraser tormented the Boks, while Ray Mordt bagged a famous hat-trick in the flour-bomb Test at Eden Park. Wilson’s try and Allan Hewson’s late penalty sealed a dramatic 25-22 win and 2-1 series victory for the hosts.
Keohane argues that rugby’s flow and tempo in those days were driven by rucking, fatigue and continuity – not substitutions, resets or referee intervention. He says the breakdown was policed by boots, not TMOs, and players were conditioned to avoid slowing the ball, lest they pay the price in rake marks.
“Natural fatigue made for compelling theatre,” Keohane writes. “The 15 that started mostly finished, and the game had rhythm and pace. The head was off limits – but everything else got cleaned out. That’s what kept rugby honest.”
Keohane believes outlawing rucking, expanding benches and empowering technology have slowed the game and undermined the contest. He urges fans to revisit the 1981 series as a tribute to Wilson – and a reminder of what the sport used to be.
“There were no bomb squads,” he notes. “Players stayed on, fatigue took hold, and rucking ensured no one lay over the ball for long.”
He contends that removing rucking, depowering scrums and handing more influence to the TMO have slowed the game and undermined its character.
“Watch the 1981 Tests,” he urges. “The tempo, the clarity, the flow – that’s the game as it should be.”
Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images
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