Soldiers were among Ravenhill spectators for famous clash with Ulster in 1972
Yes, armed British soldiers appear to be on guard close to the dressing rooms at Ravenhill as the famous All Blacks take to the playing arena to tackle Ulster in a famous rugby match.
The date was November 18, 1972, when the Troubles were at their peak, but the New Zealand stars, on a UK tour, came to Belfast anyway.
My research into a game in which Ulster, captained by Willie John McBride and coached by my old friend Syd Millar, shows that the home side gave those All Blacks, led by Ian Kirkpatrick, a fright even though they were beaten 19-6.
But there is another side to that great day in sport. Rugby fans who were there, and to whom I have talked in my research, claim that the Army weren’t at Ravenhill on duty at all. My information is that a patrol, possibly of Greenjackets, were just ending their tour of duty in the area when they realised the All Blacks were just across the road, about to be challenged by Willie John and his men.
So as spectators they headed for the stadium in their two jeeps to see the game which, according to folk like George Williamson of Lisburn, who was there, explains the military presence.
Apparently the soldiers couldn’t get their jeeps into the crammed car park at Ravenhill – there was a crowd of 25,000 at the game – and had to pick a vantage spot not far from the dressing rooms to leave the vehicles and from where to watch the action on the pitch.
The All Blacks were just as delighted to see the soldiers as the Greenjackets were to see them and there were handshakes all round as the team from New Zealand took to the field. The Army men weren’t disappointed, as Ulster served up a display that is talked about to this day.
Belfast Telegraph journalist Nevin McGhee, who was in the Press Box, wrote these words: “Ulster nearly brought the All Blacks to their knees.”
I’m told that after the final whistle, both teams had a brief confab with the military.
By Eddie McIlwaine –Â BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
The All Blacks toured the British Isles in late 1972 and early 1973. During the tour, they were known for getting beaten by Llanelli and the Baas-Baas. It wasn’t really a good start in the 70s for the All Blacks. A few months later after the tour, they were beaten by England in Auckland who were led by John Pullin. The Welsh also gave them a hard time but the New Zealanders survived. Enjoy the match.