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Former All Black who demanded finger amputation for Springboks tour dies aged 87
By AAP
Richard "Red" Conway, a famously tough All Blacks back rower who ordered doctors to amputate a finger to ensure he didn't miss a tour to South Africa, has died. He was 87.
Conway's death was confirmed Friday by his family who said he "passed away peacefully" but did not specify a cause.
Known as Red for his bright ginger hair, Conway played 10 tests and 15 matches for the All Blacks between 1959 and 1965.
He also was a catcher in softball and it was in that role he first sprained, then broke the third finger of his right hand.
When the finger was set it had a kink and doctors warned Conway it would likely break again while playing rugby.
Between the All Black trial and the naming of the team to tour South Africa, Conway told doctors to amputate the finger.
They did and he was selected for the tour on which he played two Tests and 15 matches.
Former New Zealand rugby broadcaster Keith Quinn said Conway was one of the toughest All Blacks of all-time.
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And they came from behind to win two big games before the final. No one can say what would have happened. Had the boks gone behind the game plan changes and the result may changes. Ifs and ands are irrelevant. The boks won. Neutral critics enjoyed the games they played. Its not a popularity contest. Get over it and move on.
Go to commentsI'm happy for the people of SA to get a second WC. And I mean that. I was very disappointed with this man's “stand on the hand” incident with Josh Van Der Flyer (Ireland). Ireland's downfall in the last WC was they did not rotate their first 15 as the head coach probably should have. That said, I'm happy for SA and genuinely hope it lifts the mood in their country. Ireland did beat them in the first match of the tournament. And before the trolls start trolling ….. please don't bother. Etzbeth said recently that the Irish players said after the match “see you in the final”…..this was actually wishing the SA team the best of luck in the rest, the Irish team were not dismissing the AB’s. This is what Etzbeth was implying. But he was wrong. I no longer live in Ireland. But I hope to see them lift that cup before I pass. Anyway, congratulations SA. 👍
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