1924, George Nepia: Peerless fullback

One of the brightest stars in All Black history emerged on the northern hemisphere tour of 1924-25.

George Nepia, of Ngati Rakaipaaka, was just 19 and playing at fullback, out of his usual position at first five-eighths. He was the only team member to play in all 32 tour matches and left an indelible impression.

After the first test - against Ireland on a soggy ground with strong, flukey winds - Nepia was recognised as the best in the world.

"It was not a day for the making of personal reputation, but Nepia, if possible, enhanced his," wrote Herald correspondent Colonel Philip Trevor.

"I have spoken to men who have recently returned from witnessing some of the games played in South Africa by the British team. They tell me that in that country there is no fullback as good as Nepia. In England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, I am sure he has no rival."

For his peerless performance, Nepia is our New Zealander of the Year for 1924.

From the Herald archives:
'The All Blacks' tour', New Zealand Herald, 9 December 1924

Further reading:
Biography of George Nepia, Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Further viewing:
This Is Your Life - George Nepia, NZ On Screen, 1986