'Originals' kick off All Black tradition

16 September 1905

All Blacks versus Midland Counties, 1905
All Blacks versus Midland Counties, 1905 (Alexander Turnbull Library, MNZ-1012-1/4-F)

The first fully representative New Zealand rugby team to tour the northern hemisphere was known as the ‘Originals’. They won 34 of their 35 matches and popularised both the haka and the ‘All Blacks’ nickname.

Although a 1904 British team had won only two of its five matches in New Zealand, and lost the only test, many in the ‘Home Countries’ still rated themselves superior players of a sport they had invented. But the All Blacks – named for the colour of their uniforms – hit the ground running, scoring 385 points in their first 10 games in England. Their opponents managed a total of one dropped goal and one try.

Scores fell off somewhat as they struck stronger opposition and injury, illness and fatigue took their toll, but the All Blacks won 31 of their 32 games in the United Kingdom before thrashing France, and British Columbia twice, on their way home. The exception was a 3–0 loss to Wales (see 16 December). Welsh teams gave the All Blacks their toughest games; the three top clubs were beaten by a combined score of 20 points to 14.