Philip Barker: When Llanelli beat the All Blacks
Llanelli beat New Zealand All Blacks 9-3 in a rugby match 50 years ago this weekend. The match is commemorated this year as flyhalf Phil Bennett passed away. Llanellis had played against the 1970 South African Springboks and nearly beat them. Carwyn James was the coach of the British Lions during their tour of Australia and New Zealander. The players were not paid but received a daily allowance. Rugby union enforced a strict amateur code at the time. Players all had "day jobs" and to embark on a tour, it was necessary to have the backing of benevolent employers.
