Sid Going
The visionary general who orchestrated the All Blacks' golden era with flair and steel.
Sid Going stands as a colossus in the annals of New Zealand rugby, widely regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves to ever grace the game. His career with the All Blacks spanned the late 1960s through the mid-1970s, an era defined by physical dominance and tactical innovation. Known for his visionary passing, deceptive speed, and leadership on the field, Going was the architect of many famous victories, earning a reputation as a player who could single-handedly dictate the tempo of international matches.
Beyond his skill with the oval ball, Going became a cultural icon in New Zealand sports history. His tenure coincided with some of the most grueling and celebrated tours in rugby lore, including the epic 1972-73 tour of South Africa where he captained the side. Despite operating during an era before professional contracts, his influence on the position remains the benchmark against which modern playmakers are measured.
- Role:
- Fly-half
- All Blacks Caps:
- 45
- Captaincy:
- 1972-1973 (South Africa Tour)
- Era:
- Late 1960s - Mid 1970s
- Notable Teams:
- Auckland, North Harbour, All Blacks
- Status:
- Legend / Retired
Lore & Background
Sid Going's rise to prominence was meteoric, marking a shift in how the fly-half position was perceived. Before him, the role was often seen as purely functional; Going transformed it into an art form, blending tactical kicking precision with an uncanny ability to read the defensive line. His playing style was characterized by a unique blend of aggression and elegance, allowing him to break tackles while simultaneously setting up tries for others. He played during a time when rugby was strictly amateur, yet his impact on the professionalization of the sport's tactics is immeasurable.
His leadership was tested most severely during the 1972-73 tour of South Africa, a politically and physically charged journey that became legendary in its own right. As captain, Going led the All Blacks through a series of brutal encounters against the Springboks, showcasing a resilience that defined his generation. The series is often remembered for the intense physicality and the strategic battles fought on the field, with Going at the helm steering the team through adversity. His ability to maintain composure under immense pressure cemented his status as a true leader.
Off the field, Going was known for his wit and charisma, traits that endeared him to fans and teammates alike. He was part of a generation of All Blacks who embodied the spirit of 'Kiwi rugby'—rough around the edges but brilliant in execution. His legacy extends beyond statistics; he is remembered as a player who played with joy and intelligence, influencing generations of subsequent fly-halves who sought to emulate his all-around game.
In Their Own Story
The air at Ellis Park was thick with dust and tension, the roar of the crowd a distant rumble beneath the thud of boots on hard earth. Sid stood over the ball, his eyes scanning the defensive wall of Springboks that seemed to stretch infinitely across the horizon. He didn't look like a general commanding an army; he looked like a man about to play a game of chess in a boxing ring. With a flick of his wrist and a whisper of a smile, he launched the ball. It spiraled through the humid air, bypassing the charging forwards and landing perfectly in the hands of a winger sprinting into the gap. The try was scored not with brute force, but with the kind of surgical precision that only Sid could deliver.
Reader's Guide
Sid Going's era at the All Blacks (1967–1975) represents a pivotal transition in rugby union history, bridging the gap between the old-school forward-dominated game and the modern backline-centric style. Playing primarily as a fly-half, he was the creative engine of the team, renowned for his exceptional passing range, tactical kicking, and ability to control the flow of the match. Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied solely on power, Going utilized deception and speed, often drawing defenders out of position to create opportunities for his teammates.
His greatest achievements include captaining the All Blacks during their historic 1972-73 tour of South Africa, a series remembered for its intensity and the team's resilience. Although they did not win the series, Going's leadership under such immense pressure is celebrated as one of the finest displays of captaincy in rugby history. He earned 45 caps for New Zealand, scoring numerous tries and displaying a consistency that made him indispensable to the side.
Going's legacy endures as the archetype of the modern playmaker. He demonstrated that a fly-half could be both a leader and an entertainer, setting a standard for future generations including Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett. His influence is seen in the way the position is now viewed: not just as a goal kicker or tactician, but as the primary decision-maker who drives the team's attacking philosophy.
Did You Know?
- Sid Going is often cited by rugby historians as the first true 'modern' fly-half due to his innovative passing and game-management skills.
- He captained the All Blacks during their controversial and physically demanding 1972-73 tour of South Africa, leading the team through a series that remains a subject of intense historical discussion.
- Despite playing in an amateur era, Going was known for his professional approach to training and preparation, often studying opposition tactics meticulously.
- He was a key figure in North Harbour Rugby Union's formation and success, helping to establish the region as a powerhouse in New Zealand domestic rugby.