Time makes you forget how good some rugby players once were. Jeff Wilson is one.
After reviewing his try-scoring feats I was reminded of his brilliance, the majestic running style, the flowing blonde hair beating his opponents with sheer speed. It is quite the transition to the rugby commentator we see today voicing his opinion on rugby matters.
I have no doubt he was a superior player to the players he speaks of in today’s rugby world.
The way he spoke, his confidence and persona were almost American-like, not the usual modest, self-effacing Kiwi style. He was fist-pumping and high-fiving before it became trendy!
On an interview he did with radio personality Murray Deaker in 1996, he came across as personable, sure of himself and not too concerned with what people thought of him. Wilson’s exhilarating, effortless and loping stride was a pleasure to watch and reminded me of the notable English winger David Duckham.
He could score tries by beating his opponent with pace or use a skilful chip and chase.
Jeff Wilson was of course a New Zealand rugby and cricket international as a teenager, the popular term was a “double All Black” which I do not entirely agree with, as does it not demean the cricket team?
In my time Brian McKechnie was a double and Wilson was the last person to represent his country in both sports. Quite a remarkable feat and his story could be straight out of a Boys Own book.
Where did the gift to play numerous sports at a high level come from? Wilson came from a sporting family with both his mother and father both proficient in sport and they kept Jeff down to earth.
Jeffrey William Wilson was born 1973 in Invercargill and attended Cargill High School. He was a talented basketballer and admired Michael Jordan, track and field was another sport he excelled in. Imagine scoring nine tries and 66 points in one school game and representing NZ secondary schools, what a talent!
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Wilson made his debut for Southland while still at school and his All Black debut at age 19 in 1993 on the tour of Britain.
The man known as “Goldie” produced an impressive All Black career of 60 Tests, scoring 44 tries. He scored three tries on his debut versus Scotland and took over the goal-kicking duties a little reluctantly, his next match against England was not quite as successful.
Jeff played in both 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups and retired from rugby at 28 in 2002. He did state he would have extended his career if coach John Hart had continued. In the 1995 final he was one of the worst affected by the food poisoning, and the vitriol from the 1999 World Cup affected him so much he had a break from the game.
Controversial moments in a player’s career can be remembered more than achievements and Jeff is no exception, of course it is the “Gregan tackle”, a certain try halted by a moment of genius by George Gregan!
Wilson’s cricket career did not reach the heights of his rugby journey but he was a genuine international cricket all-rounder. He climbed the age-group ladder before making his Otago debut in 1991 and aged 19 made his international debut versus Australia, scoring the winning runs.
A choice had to be made between rugby and cricket with rugby winning but at age 28 he returned to cricket, but it was not until 2005 that he restarted his international career. There may have been a hunt of jealousy from pundits and players when it was announced he would play again after such a long gap between ODI internationals.
An old rugby injury had the last say when a career-ending ankle injury put a stop to his cricket career.
Jeff Wilson possesses his own strong opinions as evident on sports media and I was interested in his thoughts on the choices young talented sports people must make.
He stated, “I don’t believe that kids should have to make a decision early in life, because you don’t know when a kid is going to be at their very, very best. You don’t know when a person is going to develop.”
He also believes that “the competitions in New Zealand – the NPC and Super Rugby – are not adequately preparing young players both male and female sufficiently for professional rugby.”
And I also agree on his point that the All Blacks should resurrect longer tours with midweek games to revitalise rugby.
Jeffrey Wilson was a flamboyant rugby player who was ahead of his time and annoyed some traditionalists with his on-field actions, but that is being trivial as he was a magnificent sight when in full attack mode and possessed all the skills.
He has a deep passion for the game and has enjoyed many roles including player, administrator, coach, radio host and commentator.
And he was a handy cricketer too!
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