Western News: April 27, 2023

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4 Thursday April 27 2023 Bluey looks back on his days YOU WOULD have to be over 70 to have heard of Bluey. Derek ‘Bluey’ Arnold was born on January 10, 1941 in Balclutha. In those days a person with red hair was called ‘Blue’ by their mates, a saying that seems to have originated from Australia: “Ow ya goin Blue?” Bluey was a rugby player. Between 1959–1971, he played 87 matches for Canterbury and 15 for the All Blacks, including four tests. A New Zealand player of the year in 1964, at 173cm and 67kg he would have been at a distinct disadvantage marking current All Black Jordie Barrett, who at 196cm and 95kg often plays in the same second five position. Bluey says there is “daylight” between the rugby of his day and the modern game, not just the rules – now far too complicated and suffocating the sport – but the challenges facing the All Blacks before professionalism took over. Bluey was one of 30 players on the 1963 /64 tour of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France, playing an unbelievable 36 games from October 23 to February 24 (with just one loss 0-3 and one draw 0-0). With nearly five months away from a job, some of the team had to resign to go on tour and a couple got leave without pay, while Bluey as a stock and station agent continued to get his salary, courtesy of a rugby mad boss. These amateurs were paid 10 bob (shillings) a day by the New Zealand Rugby Football Union in the 1960s. Today, top All Blacks earn more than a million dollars a year. Bluey said in those days the rugby fraternity looked after the family at home, particularly the local clubs that rallied around, making sure the lawns were done, spare food was donated, and outings arranged and presents organised for Christmas. The players were a bunch of young, spirited guys overseas for an extended length of time. Bluey said it was an overwhelming new experience, discovering the big lights, especially for those players from rural New Zealand. The 1963/64 tour reality was a good example of downtime curbed by the weekly routine of rugby, rugby and more rugby. After breakfast it was training then lunch, training then tea, with evenings reserved for tactical discussions for midweekers and Saturday games. Public or private functions and travel fitted in in between, with the only time off on Sundays. This might be an afternoon at a bar or a bus tour, but in most cases it featured women. NOW AND THEN: Between 1959–1971, Derek ‘Bluey’ Arnold played 87 matches for Canterbury and 15 for the All Blacks, including four tests. Sunday 14th of May Mother’s Day extra treats on the buffet: Whole Salmon, Tzatziki and Teriyaki Slow Roasted Harissa Lamb Shoulder Extra Indulgent Pastries and Desserts 7/11 Chalmers St, Hornby, Christchurch. Ph: 03 421 8926
Thursday April 27 2023 in the black jersey And many of the All Blacks found girlfriends on tour. Bluey said wearing the All Black blazer brought a lot of clout and admirers, with the rule what happened on tour stayed on tour. He said social behaviour and attitudes have changed since those times. “While you didn’t have anywhere near the conditioning of the modern player, we still had to manage our way through injuries because coming off the paddock was not really an option. There were no replacements, the 15 (where possible) stayed on till end of the game and we often had players limping from one on-field action to another. “There were players who got though a match with the aid of pain killers, but due to damage incurred a few players never played again.” Another five years were to pass before the rules allowed up to two players be substituted for injury, with tactical replacements now possible at any time. Bluey’s All Black career ended with getting on the wrong side of the new coach Fred ‘the needle’ Allen. “I was no shrinking violet, and we exchanged a few words a few times and that was it.” While rugby was a different game in his time and the demands on body and finances quite hard, Bluey said he would not change the experience of pulling on the black jersey for anything. “One of the proudest moments of my life.” It was a time in New Zealand where newspapers and radio dominated, and with the All Blacks at the forefront of these mediums, they were the heroes people most admired. Derek ‘Bluey’ Arnold was All Black 639, about halfway between the first to wear the jersey in 1884 and 2022’s tally of more than 1200. While the All Blacks remain an iconic team in world sport, some of the old players from around the country are living almost anonymously next door – like Bluey, who these days lives in South Brighton. – New Brighton Residents Association The 1963 team. Above – performing the haka. Now only 5 European Car Owners NEW DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT! We can identify ANY electrical fault & reduce repair work with our NEW European Car Specific Diagnostic Equipment ROSES AUTO ELECTRICAL Enquiries welcome CH 352 5090 oN sAle Now! $35.80 Plus $5 P&H per copy AvAilAble from stAr mediA: Level One, 359 Lincoln Road Addington, Christchurch Phone 379 7100 For everything AUTO ELECTRIC CARS • BOATS • TRUCKS CARAVANS • TRAILERS • 4WDS ELECTRIC & HYBRID VEHICLES • Starter Motors • Alternators • Central Locking • electric Windows • ABS & Airbags • Stereos/ Alarms • Batteries • tuneups • engine Management AAE Amazing Auto Electric USUALLy SAMe DAy ServiCe 65 Coleridge St, Sydenham Phone 03 379 4250 www.amazingautoelectric.co.nz
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Western News: April 27, 2023

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