Description
Complete edition 1903-1982
On 15 August 1903, a New Zealand team, wearing black jerseys with the distinctive silver fern, ran out onto the Sydney Cricket Ground to play its first officially recognised international Rugby match.
That team, which included the legendary Billy Wallace and Dave Gallaher, beat Austral a 22-3 to begin New Zealand’s proud tally of 139 wins in 202 Test matches.
Men in Black records this triumphant history with a text of over 200,000 words and 250 illustrations. The commentary on each match achieves unique accuracy; previously published facts have been double-checked and, where possible, verified by interviews with players and authorities.
The photographs, as well as illustrating the saga of Test Rugby, provide a fascinating record of social change over the years from bowler-hatted crowds before World War I to all-night vigils to secure seats and the advent of instantaneous television coverage by satellite.
Heroes of the game leave their mark on these Test matches as the All Blacks’ fortunes wax and wane. Men in Black celebrates “The Highest Honour” available to many New Zedanders – to represent their country in Test venues around the world, wearing the black jersey which has earned so much respect from the Sydney Cricket Ground to Parc des Princes in Paris.
From thousands of hours spent in research Rod Chester and Neville McMlillan have produced this book as a magnificent tribute to the enjoyment and pride offered by our Men in Black.
Hardcover. 421 pages. In good preloved condition with the exception of slight tearing to edge of dustcover and partial inscription on title page in ink.