1905 Original All Blacks Tour
The legendary 1905 tour that established New Zealand as a world-class rugby nation.
The Original All Blacks (also known simply as 'The Originals') were the first New Zealand national rugby union team to tour outside Australasia. They toured the British Isles and France during 1905–1906. Their opening game, on 16 September 1905, was against Devon whom they defeated 55–4. They defeated every English club and county side that they faced, including a 16–3 victory over English county champions Durham, and a 32–0 victory over Blackheath. They defeated Scotland and Ireland, with the closest of their matches a 12–7 victory over Scotland. The team's only loss of the tour was a 3–0 defeat by Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. A try claimed by winger Bob Deans was not awarded by the referee and later became a subject of controversy. However, Wales were generally considered the better team with the All Blacks playing particularly poorly in the first half of the game. They managed narrow wins against five Welsh club teams and went on to play France in France's first-ever test match. They returned to New Zealand via North America where they played two matches against Canadian teams. Overall they played a total of thirty-five matches, which included five Tests, and only lost once—the defeat by Wales.
- Captain
- Dave Gallaher
- Total Matches Played
- 35
- Matches Won
- 34
- Matches Lost
- 1 (vs Wales)
- Points Scored
- 978
- Points Conceded
- 59
- Notable Player
- Dave Gallaher
Lore & Background
The 1905 All Blacks tour of Britain went on to achieve legendary status within the rugby world and New Zealand in particular. They scored 978 points and conceded only 59, and thus set the standard for future All Blacks sides. The tour also saw the first use of the All Blacks name and established New Zealand's reputation as a world-class rugby nation. Some of these players eventually defected to participate in the professional 1907–08 tour of Australia and Great Britain where they played against Northern Union sides in the sport that would eventually become known as rugby league.
In Their Own Story
The rain hammered down at Cardiff Arms Park on December 16, turning the pitch into a treacherous quagmire where every step was a battle. Captain Dave Gallaher wiped sludge from his brow, his gaze locked on the Welsh line as a sea of red shirts roared against the touchline. He caught Billy Stead's eye; a grim nod signaled they were ready to face the heart of the rugby empire. The whistle blew. Then, the ground seemed to tremble. The haka began low, rumbling through the wet earth before erupting into a thunderous chant that silenced the crowd and shifted the very air in the stadium. The Welsh players stood their ground, but the psychological blow had landed. As the ball was kicked off, the All Blacks surged forward—not as individuals, but as a single blue-black entity. They crashed into the Welsh defense with a ferocity that echoed across the ocean, turning the match into a brutal war of attrition where every tackle and ruck told a story of a nation refusing to be broken.
Reader's Guide
The team departed for England aboard the Rimutaka on 30 July. Their first match took place on 16 September 1905 against Devon, who had been runners-up in the most recent English county championship. The crowd of 6,000 were stunned as the New Zealanders scored 12 tries and won 55–4. Billy Wallace scored 28 points, including three tries. The toughest game of the tour so far was against Durham County, on 7 October. Durham were the English county champions, and were the first team to score a try against the All Blacks on tour. The All Blacks won 16–3. The match against Blackheath was considered by Wallace to be the end of the All Blacks' peak. The team's only loss of the tour was a 3–0 defeat by Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. They played France in France's first-ever test match. They returned to New Zealand via North America where they played two matches against Canadian teams.
Did You Know?
- The 1905 Original All Blacks tour included matches in the British Isles and France, but they only played in Canada during their return via North America.
- The team's only loss of the tour was a 3–0 defeat by Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.
- Billy Wallace scored 28 points in the opening match against Devon, including four tries.
- The tour saw the first use of the All Blacks name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 1905 Original All Blacks Tour?
This expedition marked the first time a New Zealand national rugby team traveled globally to compete against international opposition. It covered three continents and established the foundation of the modern All Black identity through a grueling schedule of games.
Who led the 1905 Original All Blacks Tour?
The squad was under the steely command of captain Dave Gallaher, while Billy Stead managed the complex logistics of the journey. Their leadership ensured the team remained focused during their extensive travels across Europe and North America.
How did the 1905 Original All Blacks Tour conclude?
The tour finished with a remarkable record of 34 victories out of 35 matches played, suffering only one defeat against Wales. This single loss sparked a rivalry that persists today despite their overwhelming dominance in points scored versus conceded.
Why is the 1905 Original All Blacks Tour important?
It forged the enduring soul of the team by introducing New Zealand rugby to the world stage with unprecedented success. The tour proved the nation's capability against the best players and set a standard for future generations to uphold.
Where did the 1905 Original All Blacks Tour travel?
The team played matches across the British Isles, France, and North America during their historic odyssey. This extensive route allowed them to face diverse opponents and solidify their reputation as a world-class rugby force.
More in Club History
Elsewhere in the New Zealand All Blacks universe
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