Biographies, as opposed to autobiographies, are uncommon in New Zealand sport, and certainly not as persuasive or as subjective as achieved by Gregor Paul in his study of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen in Steve Hansen – The Legacy. Biographies are the lifeblood of non-fiction publishing in other genres around the world yet in New Zealand sport, at least, they remain the exception.
Thanks Peter, yes I thought long and hard about that but was swayed by the fact Hansen maintained his level for pretty much eight years and handled that change of personnel midway through with the All Blacks playing a quality of rugby that was better than anyone else throughout the period. Also, time has revealed that many of Allen's players felt let down by his decision not to take them to South Africa in 1970. Good to hear from you, and trust all is well.
Thanks Peter, yes I thought long and hard about that but was swayed by the fact Hansen maintained his level for pretty much eight years and handled that change of personnel midway through with the All Blacks playing a quality of rugby that was better than anyone else throughout the period. Also, time has revealed that many of Allen's players felt let down by his decision not to take them to South Africa in 1970. Good to hear from you, and trust all is well.
Fine review that Lynn. Big call last sentence. In modern times probably but my ageing mind often reverts back to Fred Allen Esq.