Men of the Silver Fern - Power, Politics and Professionalism (1978 - 1992)

This final edition of the 1992 celebration of New Zealand Rugby runs from grand slam success to the cusp of the professional era. But in-between, rugby and politics combusted. When the Springboks, representing apartheid South Africa, toured NZ in 1981, barbed wire, flour bombs and riot police were match fixtures. Kiwis were either for or against. The tour’s aftermath and public disillusionment with the sport found relief in 1987, when the All Blacks won the first Rugby World Cup; three undefeated years followed. Three NZRFU centennial tests close the series.

It was not long before the controversy over sporting contacts with South Africa would flare up yet again, and things would occur in New Zealand the likes of which had never been seen before.

– From the narration

Key Cast & Crew

Peter Coates

Director, Writer, Producer

Ces Blazey

Producer

Ivan Vodanovich

Producer

Keith Quinn

Producer, Interviewer, Research

Robert Hagen

Second Unit Director

Simon Hughes

Sound Mix