The rugby is back on Saturday June 17, and as tradition dictates there will be a Gala Dinner to raise money for a worthy cause, get a bit merry and listen to some good tales from a few veterans of the game.
The keynote speakers this year will be former All Black Andrew Mehrtens and British and Irish Lion Tom Smith, while former Springboks Bob Skinstad and John Allan - who represented both South Africa and Scotland - return from last year.
Here is our interview with Allan from last year...
Best player you ever played with?
Henry Honiball (below). He was known as 'The Lem' - which means 'The Knife' - as he cut people in half in the tackle. He was the most feared rugby opponent in New Zealand.
And the best team you played in?
The Sharks teams of 95-96. We won back to back Currie Cups and Super Rugby Finals.
Most outrageous player you toured with?
No
question Dick Muir. I could write a book about his misdemeanors and our
memories of how he makes life full of fun and adventure.
And most unusual situation you found yourself in on tour?
Saving
Cathay Pacific air hostesses from drowning after they fell out of their
boat doing white water rafting – the good news they were working on our
flight home, so we were treated like kings.
Most satisfying victory of your career?
Beating Western Province in 1995 Currie Cup Final, as we were underdogs.
And the most painful defeat?
Losing to England in 1991 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final when I played for Scotland (below). We lost 9-6 by a late drop kick.
Who was your toughest opponent?
New Zealand - and Sean Fitzpatrick and Uli Schmidt as individuals.
High point of your playing career?
Being picked for South Africa as this was my dream. Playing for Scotland was my father's dream, but it was great that I was able to play for both countries close to my heart, the one where I was born and the one where I grew up.
And the low point?
Getting dropped from Springboks because I was too English speaking. The 'Broederbond' (supposedly secret Afrikaaner organization) were not happy.
Best player in the world?
Dan Carter (below) – every team he is involved in wins trophies consistently
If you could play in any historical match, what would it be?
South Africa v Scotland in a Rugby World Cup Final – I will play a half game for each and we will draw the game.
What do you think of the 7s game compared with the 15-a-side game?
7s will become very popular after the Olympics this year, very much like Twenty20 in cricket. However it does not cater for all shapes and sizes and only focuses on some skill sets, so the rugby community will mostly still prefer 15s.
Will you be having a run out while you are over here?
The only run I will be doing is running to the bar for a drink! Unfortunately I am going for a knee replacement this year so no running until I get a new knee.
It is all going down at the Pudong Shangri-La Grand Ballroom on Saturday, June 17 from 6.45pm, with tickets RMB1,200 each or RMB10,000 for a table of ten. That includes a top notch three-course meal and free-flow Heineken and soft drinks, with proceeds going towards the Chinese National Youth Team Tour to New Zealand.
To purchase tickets click here.
For a venue listing, click here.
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