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Regional rugby

Page 17 – Manawatu rugby

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Between 1976 and 1981 Manawatu was one of the strongest teams in New Zealand rugby, enjoying a 20-match unbeaten run against other provincial teams from 1977. Having finished as runners-up in the inaugural National Provincial Championship (NPC) in 1976, the green and whites claimed their first title in 1980 and came second again in 1981. The side of the early 1980s had eight All Blacks in its ranks. Between 1976 and 1978 Manawatu also successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield 13 times.

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How to cite this page

'Manawatu rugby', URL: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/regional-rugby/manawatu, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 27-Oct-2015

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2 comments have been posted about Manawatu rugby

What do you know?

Cory

Posted: 24 Oct 2010

Manawatu will one day become the most feared team in NZ once again

Matthew

Posted: 20 Aug 2010

I saw Manawatu play France at the showgrounds in the 1989 - one of the few matches I've ever been to and the only one I've been to with my dad. A few of my mates were there too but they were over on the embankment and sneered (jealously I figure) at me and dad up in the stands. The game was noted for two reasons: one, Jean Condom came on for a injury replacement that was clearly faked as the French weren't playing as well as they expected; and then we nearly won, retaining the lead right up to the last minute. Beligerent defence finally broke and the French scored. But I remember it for one other thing: me and dad being hassled for smoking in the stands! Fancy not being able to smoke at a rugby match. Times what was I guess.