All Black Bob Scott dies

Former All Blacks fullback Bob Scott has died early this morning at his home in the Coromandel aged 91.

Robert William Henry Scott was born in Wellington on February 6, 1921 and grew up playing league in Auckland before switching to union after joining the Army.

He was a running fullback, famous for his ability to kick the ball long distances with bare feet and played 17 Tests and 52 games for the All Blacks between 1946 and 1954.

Scott served in Italy in World War II and played for the Kiwis Armed Service Team on their tour of Europe after the war.

He returned home to play for Auckland and in the first post-war Test series against Australia as well as the 1949 tour to South Africa.

After retiring in 1951, Scott was persuaded to return and play in the 1953 tour of Great Britain.

His career finished with club rugby for Petone in 1954 and appearances for invitation teams over the next few seasons.
During festival type games he sometimes gave demonstrations of barefoot goalkicking, frequently landing goals from halfway.

Fellow All Black 'Snow' White played three Tests with Scott and told ONE News that the fullback was ahead of his time.

"He was a freak. He had tremendous balance, he was seldom caught off balance and he used to throw huge dummies to people and he would kick really well with either foot, it didn't matter if it was left or right he used to plough off huge hunks of territory when kicking it into touch," White said.

"I think he would have fitted in (in the modern game). He wasn't tremendously fast, but he had so many skills, he just did everything.

"He was an exceptional guy and everything just came easy to him."
 
After his playing career Scott owned a men's clothing store in Petone with former All Black captain Andy Leslie.

New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Mike Eagle paid tribute to Scott this afternoon.

"Bob was a much admired player, regarded by many as the complete fullback who played the game with passion and courage.

"Many will remember Bob as one of the greatest players to pull on the no.15 jersey and he was certainly a hugely popular member of the teams he played for.

"I am sure in coming days he will be fondly remembered across New Zealand and in particular at the Ponsonby Rugby Club from where he was first selected for Auckland and the All Blacks and the Petone Rugby Club where he was heavily involved after finishing playing for the club in 1956.
  
"We extend our condolences to his family at this sad time."

Scott was the oldest living All Black after the death of Fred Allen in April.