A sad day for NZ rugby and for NZ. Sir Colin was not only a great All Black but also a genuinely good Kiwi bloke. He will be missed. I quickly learned the Meads legend was built on physical and mental toughness. Among those paying tribute to Meads was Jacinda Ardern, leader of the opposition Labour party, and current rugby union players. His son Glynn, an able rugby player, was known as Pinecone. He was widely considered to embody the best qualities of an All Blacks player: he was tough, uncompromising, loyal and humble.
In a relatively young nation he also helped to define qualities which were seen to be essential to the New Zealand character. His humour, simplicity and self-deprecating nature were much admired. There were some controversial moments, including in when he became just the second All Black to be sent off in a Test match. Irish referee Kevin Kelleher sent him to the sidelines for dangerous play as he recklessly attempted to kick a loose ball, only to catch a Scottish player in the process.
It was a typically brutal encounter which was enlivened early on when the visitors scored through Bryan Williams, an effort which arguably led to even more skulduggery on the pitch. The hosts were enraged by the try and Meads became the victim when he was kicked as he protected Earle Kirton, who had dived on a loose ball.
Those in black insisted it was intentional and it resulted in a broken arm for their enforcer in the pack, albeit they did not know at the time. The second-row carried on, with a local doctor stating that the injury was probably just a pinched nerve, and duly played the final 76 minutes. X-rays later confirmed the break, showing that Meads had effectively played the majority of the match with one arm. It went down in All Blacks folklore and displayed the type of unwavering character the great man was.
He played into the early s when he was in his 30s. In he led an inexperienced All Blacks team to a series loss to the Lions - which remains New Zealand's only defeat by the British and Irish composite side - it would mark the end of his long and illustrious year career.
Meads finished with first-class matches, , including 55 Tests, were for the All Blacks. From the playing fields to the boardroom, Meads entered administration and coaching. He was also a coach and selector of North Island sides and was elected to the national selection panel in He was cut from the panel but was forgiven in and elected to the NZRU council. Meads remained hands-on with the All Blacks and was the manager of the team when they travelled to the World Cup in South Africa.
He believed that an opponent who got away with cheating, by lying on the wrong side of the ball and not rolling away, or obstructing a player off the ball, was leaving himself open to retribution, which would only be administered after a warning. The offence for which he was dismissed seemed to be down to his reputation rather than his action: as he chased a rolling ball, he stuck out his foot just before the Scotland outside-half David Chisholm picked it up.
Meads got some of the ball but more of his opponent and was banned for two matches after a hearing in which he was not allowed to give evidence. I consider myself lucky to know you as a friend. He appeared before a disciplinary panel that contained the King Country selector, Eddie Walker. Get stuck into that Colts match.
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