Unbeaten in 17 official tests from 1965-1970, the Brian Lochore led All Blacks were at times conservative, at times a little reckless, but always tough, always unrelenting, and always unbeatable.

Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D

Ireland Scotland Wales New Zealand

France South Africa Australia England

Argentina Canada USA W. Samoa

Tonga SW Africa Fiji Japan

The Springboks were not at their best despite some enviable talent. Frik Du Preez was part of a tournament of great second-row forwards, with Colin Meads and Willie John McBride in their heyday. Ireland was further bolstered by the startling talents of Tom Kiernan at fullback and Mike Gibson at center. The Irish upset a talented but conservative French side to win its first pool ever.

Talented also were the Welsh. Barry John, Gerald Davies, and Gareth Edwards were all there, green but dangerous, and they made quick work of Fiji, the Americans, and even the Wallabies.

The U.S.A. had their most successful World Cup to date. Populated by ex-pats and "a bunch of Goddam hippies" said team manager Ronnie Gallagher. The Canadians, also, faired well, losing to Scotland by only three points.

On the higher level, the All Blacks were simply awesome. As they tramped across the fields of the Scottish borders, the All Black forwards took control of every game they played. Led by their classy captain, No. 8 Brian Lochore, and imposing lock Meads, they were a terrifying unit. Ken Gray solidified the front row, while Waka Nathan and Kel Tremain were barracudas on the flank.

Quarterfinals:

Ireland v. Australia

Scotland v. England

Wales v. France

New Zealand v. South Africa

1963's final was now simply a quarterfinal, and it was a muddy tussle up front. The All Blacks scored first on a Lochore pickup, and held on to the 3-0 lead for 62 minutes. Then H.O. De Villiers dotted down, and the converted try gave the Springboks a short lead. Two penalties by fullback Fergie McCormick lifted the New Zealanders to a huge 12-5 victory.

Ireland and Australia fit in some rugby around what was essentially a Glasgow brawl, but Mike Gibson showed his considerable class with a drop goal and a try, and the fullback added a conversion and two penalties for a 14-9 win.

Wales and France produced perhaps the most running rugby, with Gerald Davies scoring two tries in a 17-11 victory. An unofficial Calcutta Cup rematch produced no tries as Scotland squeaked by 6-3.

Semifinals:

Ireland v. Wales

New Zealand v. Scotland

What we learned in these games was that the Welsh pack, still needed some power, and the All Blacks threequarters were indeed talented.

Wales prevailed 13-9 with three tries (two converted) by Edwards, Dai Morris, and Davies (his seventh of the tournament), but won chiefly due to their backline. Barry John was penetrating in defense, and silken on attack. McBride led his Irish forwards through and over, but they weren't fast enough.

Meanwhile, New Zealand turned their backs loose. Chris Laidlaw, at scrumhalf over the more 10-man-oriented Sid Going, fed Earle Kirton, Ian MacRae, and Bill Davis outside him. The Scottish defense was unable to contain Tremain and Meads inside, and the backs outside, ultimately succumbing to a 30-6 drubbing.

Final:

New Zealand 21 (4T, 3C, 1P)

Wales 9 (1T, 1DG, 1P)

Playoff:

Ireland 13

Scotland 12

There was no doubt. Laidlaw skirted around the blind side within five minutes, and McCormick was almost flawless with the boot. Wales pulled within five with a John drop goal, but the All Blacks simply pulled away. They out-mauled, out-rucked, and out-tackled the Welsh, and Murrayfield shook with their power.

1967 Champions: New Zealand