Ex-All Black Don Clarke dies

Former New Zealand full-back Don Clarke has died from complications of cancer at the age of 69.

Known as The Boot, Clarke made All Black history with his classical kicking style, which saw him place the ball upright and kick it square-on with his traditional square-toed boot.

His style brought him 781 points for the All Blacks in 89 matches in a career lasting from 1956 to 1964.

Clarke also kicked six penalties against the Lions in 1959 when the All Blacks won 18-17.

Clarke, who had been diagnosed with melanoma nearly two years ago, died in a South African hospital, the Waikato Times reports.

He had been living in Johannesburg for 25 years.