Second test: New Zealand Deaf vs South Africa

1995
  • Deaf Sports
The first ever International Deaf Rugby Test Series was held in New Zealand in 1995 between New Zealand and South Africa. South Africa won the series 2-1.
HomeVideosSecond test: New Zealand Deaf vs South Africa

The first ever International Deaf Rugby Test Series was held in New Zealand in 1995 between New Zealand and South Africa. South Africa won the series 2-1. This is an edited video of the second test between the two teams on 19 July 1995, where New Zealand won 17-8 at the Palmerston North showgrounds (NEW ZEALAND (17): Tries: George Hiri, Penalty try; Conversions: Hayden Teesdale (2); Penalty goal: Hayden Teesdale. SOUTH AFRICA (8): Try: Jaco van der Heever; Penalty goal: Deon Bouwer).

The Deaf Blacks team’s results versus the South African Deaf Rugby Football Union team were:

  • 22 July 1995, Christchurch, 22-15 (lost)
  • 29 July 1995. Palmerston North Showground, 17-8 (won)
  • 4 August 1995, Auckland, 0-46 (lost)

...

NZSL story – Taonga source: Richard Hay

Chaos, Faxes & Rugby: Richard Hay’s Wild Ride as NZ Deaf Blacks Manager!

Richard shares his whirlwind experience as Team Manager of the New Zealand Deaf Blacks during their historic 1995 tour, hosting the Deaf South Africans in New Zealand. With no one stepping up to take on the Team Manager role, Richard put his hand up. Managing logistics in the era of fax machines was no easy feat — especially after a hand operation left him writing like a child with his non-dominant hand! Doubts arose about his ability to handle the job, but despite the chaos, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

From Snow to Steam: An Unforgettable Rugby Journey

In 1995, history was made as New Zealand hosted the inaugural International Deaf Rugby Test Series between South Africa and the Deaf Blacks. After a hard-fought second test in Palmerston North, claimed by the in-form Deaf Blacks, the series was tied at 1-1. With everything to play for in the final test in Auckland, both teams boarded a bus bound for Auckland. But this was no ordinary trip. A snowed-out Desert Road left the South Africans in awe, followed by an unforgettable dip in the hot pools of Rotorua. Now, the former Secretary of the New Zealand Deaf Rugby Football Union reveals the unexpected outcome of that legendary journey!
Taonga source:
Richard Peri
Original format:
VHS
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, RP01-01-SPO95
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.