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The Petone 1973 team was perhaps the most successful team of all time in the modern era.
As well as statistics, it was the team’s attitude and style of rugby that was significant. Inspired in part by the 1971 British and Irish Lions that beat Wellington 47-9 in their tour match, they played an expansive ’15-man’ style that helped evolve the game in the capital. We did a story about this match which can be read here: https://www.clubrugby.co.nz/wellington/story.php?id=1428
Some entries from the Today in History files from 1973:
28 April: Petone right wing Vern Winitana scores four tries in his side’s one-sided 43-10 win over Onslow. Winitana has now scored tries in Petone’s first four matches and their rollicking start to the season has seen them 155 points and concede 30.
12 May: Unbeaten Petone account for Poneke 54-4 and they have now scored 244 points and conceded 40 in six matches this season to date. Elsewhere, in the battle for minor placings, Athletic and Wellington (10-10) and WCOB and University (12-12) are involved in consecutive draws in the matches on Athletic Park, while previously bottom placed Upper Hutt beat mid-table Hutt Old Boys 9-7.
21 July: MSP’s All Black fullback Joe Karam kicks four penalties to give his side a 12-7 win over the Wellington Axemen, effectively handing another Jubilee Cup to Petone, who are inspired by Mark Stevens and John Dougan in their 39-3 win over Hutt Old Boys.
Well done a great article about Petone 1973. On reflection I was lucky to have a forced retirement in 1972. Seven years competing against Petone was a great experience, good contests and played in great spirit. The friendships created are lasting. Looking at that side I guess Jimmy Brown, Gareth Head and Richard Cleland were unlucky not to gain All Black honours? Regards David Heather