Irishman who shook the World

BEFORE John Gallagher took the final few steps of his journey from the streets of London into the inner sanctum of the All Blacks, one of the all-time greats had a word in his ear.

Brian Lochore approached the uncapped Anglo-Irishman sitting anxiously in a corner of the dressing room minutes before the first match of the first World Cup. New Zealand’s revered captain turned coach addressed him by his nickname.

“Kipper,” Lochore said, jabbing a finger at his solar plexus for added effect. “Don’t do anything bloody stupid. Just play safe and don’t try to take on the whole world.”