1978 Grand Slam Tour

Lore & Background

The New Zealand team played eighteen matches between 18 October and 16 December, winning seventeen games and losing once, to Munster at Thomond Park, Limerick. This was the first time that an All Black team had been beaten in Ireland and it remained the All Blacks' only defeat by any Irish team until they lost to the Ireland national team in 2016. The Munster victory inspired a stage play, Alone it Stands. Although the All Blacks won their four international matches, three of the games were undecided until close to the end. The match against Ireland was level 6–6 at the end of normal time and was settled by Andy Dalton's try in injury time. Against Wales, a 78th-minute penalty goal by replacement full-back Brian McKechnie turned a 12–10 deficit into a 13–12 win. In the Scotland game the All Blacks led 12–9 going into injury time and a drop goal attempt by Ian McGeechan, which would have tied the scores if successful, was charged down and led to a breakaway try for New Zealand by Bruce Robertson.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell hard on the Twickenham grass, soaking the black jerseys until they shone under the floodlights. Captain John Kirwan tightened his grip on the ball, feeling the weight of expectation settle over the huddle. There was no helmet to hide behind, only the raw determination etched into every face. As the referee blew the whistle, the roar of the crowd faded into a singular focus: protect the jersey.

Reader's Guide

The touring party included Manager Russell Thomas, Assistant Manager Jack Gleeson, Captain Graham Mourie, and Physiotherapist Brian McKenzie. Players listed: Full backs: Clive Currie, Brian McKechnie, Richard Wilson. Three-quarters: Stu Wilson, Robert Kururangi, Brian Ford, Bryan Williams, Bruce Robertson, Lyn Jaffray, Mark Taylor, Bill Osborne. Half-backs: Doug Bruce, Eddie Dunn, Dave Loveridge, Mark Donaldson. Forwards: Brad Johnstone, John Ashworth, John McEldowney, Gary Knight, Andy Dalton, John Black, Bill Bush, John Fleming, John Loveday, Andy Haden, Frank Oliver, Barry Ashworth, Leicester Rutledge, Graham Mourie, Wayne Graham, Gary Seear, Ash McGregor.

Did You Know?

• The 1978 All Blacks were the first to achieve a Grand Slam on a full tour of Britain and Ireland.
• Their only loss on the tour was to Munster at Thomond Park, Limerick.
• The Munster victory inspired a stage play called Alone it Stands.
• Three of the four test matches were decided in injury time or the final minutes.