1975 Australia - John Hipwell

1975 Australia | John HipwellInternational Rugby Union jersey match-worn by John Hipwell versus WalesJersey & Provenance: in original and complete condition, embroidered with ‘Australia Rugby 1975-76’ badge, plastic No. 9 stitched to back, interior labels for Westmont No.9 faintly inscribed to interior behind label, to indicate retention for Gareth Edwards after the match.Provenance: the personal collection of Sir Gareth Edwards CBE & family.For further details on John Hipwell please see LOT 22The Match: In 1975-76 the Australia rugby union team toured Britain and Ireland captained by John Hipwell.The tourists played 26 matches between October 1975 and January 1976, ending the tour with a match on the last day of January against the USA in California. It was a disappointing tour overall for the Wallabies. They won 19 games but lost four of five international matches against the home nations, winning against Ireland only. They also lost in their penultimate match against the Barbarians in Cardiff.The tour was especially disappointing for captain John Hipwell, the wearer of this jersey. He was one of the most experienced players in the squad having toured with the Wallabies since ‘66. He was a player of world-class reputation, an automatic selection, an intimidating scrumhalf. So, it was a massive blow, when in the 39th minute of the Welsh test, he was replaced due to recurred ligament damage.The Australians were then beaten by Wales 28-3, a score which remains the greatest margin of victory by Wales against the Wallabies. A hat-trick of tries were scored by J J Williams, with a further try from Gareth Edwards. ‘Rothman’s Yearbook of Rugby 1975’ suggested that the loss of the Australian captain, Hipwell ‘affected the margin but not the result’.It was assumed that the knee injury would signal the end of John Hipwell’s career, but he fought back to fitness and was back in the Australian side three years later.Sir Gareth Recalls: ‘A great and memorable win for Wales!’Auctioneer's Note:Each lot will be accompanied by the auction prospectus, signed by Sir Gareth Edwards CBE.