Late Night Legends on ABC2

[Fishman Dan]

There's a similar thread elsewhere, but I can't find it ;) This has to be one of the best TV shows going around. Throughout the Ashes they were replaying some of the memorable Ashes series from years ago.

Tonight is the 1967 Australia vs NZ Rugby League Test from Lang Park... or a cow paddock that existed where Lang Park is currently located!

A prop from each team sent off in the first 60 seconds for a punch-up. Ooh, 2-2 now after Langlands scores a penalty goal.

[Fishman Dan]

Didn't see white boots. I'm glad the fella's knew what they were doing, watching black and white it was hard to tell which team was which. Talk about tough playing conditions!

Every 2nd tackle was made by a bloke called 'Raper', as well as scoring tries. He was everywhere.

[dc68]

Yeah have watched the previous 2 nights of the '66 Oz v Poms League tests FFS I am glad RL has evolved to the game we have today. No disrespect to the fellas that played back then but it looked a lot like RU bar they had play the balls in lieu of rucks and mauls, bloody unlimited tackles sucked ass. Will tape tonights Oz v Kiwis from 72. Should be better than 66. Fingers crossed.

[jimandr]

For the serious sports fan, Late Night Legends is one of the great hidden gems. For Fishy's benefit, it seems to go in a great big repeat cycle about every six months, so eventually all the stuff in ABC's vaults gets a guernsey and then they start again. The cricket starts from the late 50's, and most of the other sport from mid 60's until about mid 80's.

It is really interesting to see how the changes in Union and League have totally changed the game for the better. Wait till you see a Union Test from the middle 60's, where they could kick to touch on the full from anywhere. Yawnsville!

On the other hand, cricket has hardly changed at all, except that the pacemen are much quicker, the fielding is better, and they wear helmets.

Fishy will have wet dreams over seeing the VFL grand finals of the 60's, some of which are actually pretty good, despite the very limited camera work. It was a much slower game, but they always kicked to contests, and there were lots of great marks.

[AndyP]

Fishy will have wet dreams over seeing the VFL grand finals of the 60's, some of which are actually pretty good, despite the very limited camera work. It was a much slower game, but they always kicked to contests, and there were lots of great marks.
I watched the '89 Grand Final a couple of months ago, and as you say, there was a lot of kicking to contests. It was great to watch.
Of course, that game is known as one of the all-time classics.

[marcel]

Fishy will have wet dreams over seeing the VFL grand finals of the 60's, some of which are actually pretty good, despite the very limited camera work. It was a much slower game, but they always kicked to contests, and there were lots of great marks.

Not to mention 60 yard drop kicks, they don't make em like that anymore.

[Fishman Dan]

Marcel - too right. The thing about the drop-kick was that the ball flight was perfect for lining up your man to take a speccy!!

The old skool Grand Finals are great to watch. The MCG packed to the rafters. Playing among toilet rolls thrown onto the ground. 1 umpire. Players throwing the ball back to their opposition when the whistle blows. It was all about the football back then.