Scott Hamilton

Scott Hamilton’s successful rugby career, which was topped with two test caps in 2006, was satisfaction for those traditionalists, who increasingly in the professional era, feared that some of the games old pathways were being eroded.

For Hamilton became an All Black, and had an excellent first class record with Canterbury and the Crusaders, not from the now fashionable academies and age-group selections. Hamilton, indeed, could not make the first XV while he was at Christchurch Boys High School.

Hamilton emerged in Canterbury country rugby, as a member of the Glenmark club, celebrated as having produced a crop of All Blacks in Alex Wyllie, Richard Loe, Andy Earl, the Deans brothers and Todd Blackadder.

At 1.90m and 100kg Hamilton had the physique of a back-row forward. But it was as an outside back, usually on the wing but often at fullback, that Hamilton found his niche. A good turn of speed accompanied his size and he also developed considerable skill, particularly with his boot. He fitted in well with the style of both Canterbury and the Crusaders in being an effective and dangerous counter-attacker, making him a prolific try-scorer.

He was 22 when he first made the Canterbury NPC side and in 2003 he joined the Crusaders, sharing in the considerable successes gained by both sides. He was in winning Ranfurly Shield sides in 2004 and 2007 and in the championship winning sides of 2004 and 2008. And he was in the Crusaders sides which won the Super 12 in 2005 and the Super 14 in 2006 and 2008.

After an All Black trial in 2005 Hamilton made his first national selection with two appearances for the Junior All Blacks, which had replaced New Zealand A as the countrys second tier side, later that season.

He received his All Black jersey when he was in the side which met Argentina in a one-off test in Buenos Aires in 2006. That side was very much a reflection of the rotation policy coach Graham Henry was then following with the All Blacks and many first stringers were rested.

But Hamilton scored a try in the 25-19 win and then gained another cap when a full strength lineup was fielded in the tri-nations test four weeks later against the Springboks in Wellington. That game was won 35-17, but Hamilton was not required again for the All Blacks and was overlooked for the end-of-year tour.

Hamilton’s final stint in national colours came with five appearances for the Junior All Blacks in the Pacific Nations tournament.