Giants of the Past

Short Film (Full Length) – 1967

Surveying All Blacks rugby from 1905 until 1967, this wide-ranging documentary is framed around the NZ Rugby Football Union’s 75th jubilee celebrations. The archival gold mine includes matches from the 1905 Originals and 1924 Invincibles tours, and clashes with Springboks, British Lions, Wallabies and French rivals. There's also footage of NZ schoolboy and NZ Māori clashes, and a jubilee match with Australia. Funded by Caltex NZ, the documentary was made by legendary Pacific Films co-founder John O’Shea. Press on the backgrounds tab for a list — in order — of all the matches.

Rugby has matched the temperament of the New Zealander, and has in large measure moulded the national character. There must always be room in the game for the player who picks up the ball and runs with it.
– Chief Justice Sir Richard Wild, at the NZRFU’s 75th Jubilee dinner