Classic All Blacks return trimphant

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 563, 22 November 1994, Page 16

Classic All Blacks return trimphant

The Rothmans Classic All Blacks overcame a welldrilled Barbarian side to win the final of the World Classic Rugby Championships at Bermuda in front of a crowd of 4000 recently. The Classic All Blacks scored six tries, while the British Barbarians were unable to cross the line. The final, score of 30-0 was sweet revenge for the All Blacks who lost the final to the Barbarians last year. Even Waimarino ex-All Black Andy Donald managed to leave the windsurfing alone long enough to put in a good effort. Veteran prop John Spiers (47) scored the first try for the Classic All Blacks and 10 minutes later half back Dave Loveridge made one of his trade mark weaving runs to score the second try. Alan Dawson, Brent Anderson and Jock Ross led some storming runs from lineouts and rucks and with enthusiastic back up from Terry Wright, hooker Bruce Hemara was able to dot down for the third try. It was then Robbie Deans' turn to slot through the widening gaps of the Barbarians to score under the posts. The dust had hardly settled on Deans' try when Welling-

ton prop Steve McDowell flicked a neat pass to Terry Wright who scored out wide. Try number six came minutes from the end when Andy Jefferd finished off a classic backline movement and crossed the line. Immediately after the match the premier of Bermuda, Sir John Swan, presented the Rothmans Classic All Blacks with the winner' s crystal trophy. In their three matches at the tournament the Classic All Blacks scored 29 tries and had one try scored against them by the USA. Held every November in Bermuda, the tournament attracts former great internationals, with teams from Australia, England, France, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, the United States and New Zealand taking part. The 1994 Rothmans Classic All Blacks are: Andy Donald, Robbie Deans, Terry Wright, Bryce Robbins, Andy Jefferd, Fred Woodman, Murray Watts, Bernie McCahill, John Boe, Dave Loveridge, Alan Dawson, Bruce Middleton, Snow Cruden, Andy Earle, Alan Whetton, Jock Ross, Andy Haden, Brent Anderson, Steve McDowell, Brett Wilson, Bruce Hemara, John Spiers and Peter Sloane.