G-Dog Da Kiwi #1 - Union

Introducing the latest column, G-Dogs Kiwi Facts.

Surf Parks Resident Refugee (AKA Illegal Immigrant) G-Dog will present a bunch of useless kiwi information about his homeland.

This week the Dog presents 5 Facts about the All Blacks, the national team of the inferior code of Rugby, Union. Still it is far, far greater than AFL, the game of the deep south.

1. The All Blacks name comes from the 1905 British tour where the New Zealand team revolutionised rugby by running the ball more than kicking. They turned down kicks at goal to score tries which was unheard of at the time. A British journalist was writing about the team which seemed to consist of 'All Backs' but misspelt it as 'All Blacks'. The name stuck.

2. NZ and Australia have played 123 tests against each other. The All Blacks have won 81 and Australia 37 with 5 draws. But you bastards have won 10 of the last 18. (Ed - Thats cause we play League here)

3. One of the most successful All Black teams was the 1924 'Invincibles'. They embarked on a 36 match overseas tour spanning 7 months in July 1924. After losing their first game to NSW they then proceeded to win their next 35 games in a row in Australia, England, Wales, Ireland, France and Canada. (ed - NSW, still the worlds greatest)

4. There has been an All Black by the name of Bernard Fanning.
'Bernie' Fanning played in two tests, one in 1903 against Australia and one against Great Britain in 1904. He played in 56 games for Canterbury and was a Blacksmith by trade.

5. The Haka's official translation is as follows:
Slap the hands against the thighs
Puff out the chest
Bend the knees
Let the hip follow
Stamp the feet as hard as you can.
It is death! It is death!
It is life! It is life!
This is the hairy person
Who caused the sun to shine
Keep abreast! Keep abreast
The rank! Hold fast!
Into the sun that shines! (Ed - Kiwi Genius at its Best)

Comin up next week: New Zealand Music (5 Facts about Shihad)