1969 New Zealand All Blacks - Sid Going

1969 New Zealand All Blacks | Sid GoingInternational Rugby Union jersey match-worn by Sid Going versus WalesJersey & Provenance: in complete and original condition, bearing label for Canterbury, large single button, embroidered silver fern and cotton No.9 of the period.Provenance: the personal collection of Sir Gareth Edwards CBE & family.Sid Going: If there was one player in world rugby that could be considered Sir Gareth Edwards’ international rival, then that would be, Sidney Milton Going MBE (b. 1943).Going’s career started shortly before Edwards’ but both players retired in 1978. They were the two outstanding scrumhalves of the era and, in many eyes, they are two of the very best halfbacks that the world has seen. After scoring two tries against the French in 1968, the French proclaimed Sid Going as the greatest halfback in the world.The Edwards-Going battles were legendary and the duels in the 1971 British Lions tour of New Zealand were a feature of the tour.Bald headed Sid Going, with his JPR style sideburns, was an unmistakable figure on the field. He was fiercely competitive, built low to the ground with muscular strength, the result of tough farm work. His play was characterised by an instinctive dummy-pass and quick powerful surges to the line which were often unstoppable. He was known for his superb handling skills and running ability, but he was also used as a goal kicker when required and could also contribute an invaluable drop goal. ‘Super Sid’’s versatility is demonstrated in his scoring statistics for the All Blacks, playing a total of 86 matches for New Zealand amassing 164 points including 33 tries and 18 conversions, five penalty goals and a dropped goal. He was a key member of the 1972–1973 All Blacks touring side to Great Britain and Ireland and his combination with flanker and captain Ian Kirkpatrick was pivotal. The side won tests against Wales, England, and Scotland before being narrowly denied an unprecedented Grand Slam by their 10–10 draw with Ireland.Of Māori heritage, Going played for New Zealand Māoris for twelve years and was a crowd favourite at Northland (North Auckland) where he often played alongside his brothers Ken and Brian. The brothers’ speciality was a blindside triple-scissors movement, which almost gave Northland a late victory in the 1971 match against the touring British Lions.In the 1977 New Year Honours, Going was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to rugby. He was inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame in 2020.The Match: This jersey was worn by Sid Going against Wales on 14th June 1969, at Eden Park, Auckland. The match was part of Wales tour of Oceania, in which they lost to New Zealand in two tests, the first 19-0 and the second 33-12.Sir Gareth Recalls: ‘This was going to be the first of many battles with Sid. A great competitor and a wonderful scrum half’.Auctioneer's Note:Each lot will be accompanied by the auction prospectus, signed by Sir Gareth Edwards CBE.