Rugby: Legendary goal kicker now lines up on green

Former All Black fullback Bob Scott prepares for the Outram 2000 bowling tournament in Dunedin...
Former All Black fullback Bob Scott prepares for the Outram 2000 bowling tournament in Dunedin yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
Even aged 90, former All Black Bob Scott cannot resist a good sporting challenge.

Scott, who made his test debut at Carisbrook nearly 65 years ago, is in Dunedin for the next few days to compete in the Outram 2000 bowls tournament.

He said it was in his blood to compete.

"I'm still keen to play any sport, really. Most people like to compete and I'm like any one of them," he said.

"I follow most sports, really. I still love rugby. It's still a great game. But I suppose all sports are like that. Hockey, soccer, rugby league. For a lot of teams, it is about performing on the stage. I suppose, in a way, we're not any different from being an actor trying to make an impression upon people"

Scott (lead) will team up with former All Black triallist Peter Angland, of Christchurch (second), Jim Johnstone, of Mosgiel (skip) and John Hunter, of Mosgiel (third) for the tournament.

The group had played in a tournament for former rugby representatives in Mt Maunganui over the past 10 or so years.

Johnstone, the brother of former All Black Peter Johnstone, and a good rugby player in his own right, and Hunter, a former Otago Rugby Football Union president, persuaded Scott to come down to Dunedin for a few days to play.

The former All Black, who was known for kicking goals from halfway in his bare feet, said he had fond memories of Dunedin.

"I remember that first test. We had a good win over the Aussies - 31-8, I think it was - and I managed to kick a few goals.

"It was a great game and a great crowd. Playing Australia then it was a but easier back then than it is now. The competition has made them much better. Their forwards are a lot stronger.

"But Otago back then, to me, they were the guts of the All Black teams."

Scott's 90th birthday celebration in his home town of Whangamata a couple of months ago had a crowd of more than 100.

He was an interested spectator at the match between the Highlanders and Cheetahs at Carisbrook last night. He still follows rugby, though mainly on television, and like most New Zealanders was keen for a home team win later this year at the Rugby World Cup.

"They're capable of doing it but they just need to pick the team and play that team."

 

 

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