My absolute FAVOURITE NZ sportsman, not just AB. This man is the real deal, full package. I would dearly love to have a beer with him. After a pre season match in Greymouth at the dawn of super rugby, when we were allowed to get autographs on field, I asked to take his picture. He instead told everyone to step back, placed his hands on my shoulders and smiled for a photo WITH me. I still have the photo and will cherish it forever. Nobody ever took the time to do that. I still don't know why he did it for me, when there were hundreds of other enthusiastic kids out there. I would love to tell him how much that impacted me, how much he inspired me to be the best I can in whatever I do. The man walks with a great deal of mana. Thank you Zinny
Respect from a Saffa. This chap was a "SERIOUS industrial strenght' All Black forward. Make no mistake. If I remember correctly I saw Zinzan in a test against the Springboks in Cape Town. Many years ago. In one incident he gathered the ball well over the halfway line in All Black territory. Quick as a flash, a brief look, and a dropkick. It sailed over our crossbar. Also when things got tough as Rugby did those days, he was NEVER 'shy!" Remarkable talent, and player, and a good bloke to top it all.
@@charlesraharaha6188 Friend, commenting as a bloke "well advanced into the coffin dodger stage" of life now, 😆😅and the 'luxury" of "occasional memory lapses"....😅😉to contend with I am not surprised. The match in question was indeed awhile ago early in the 2000"s.
Zinzan is an absolute gentleman. I've had the privilege to bump into him a couple of times in London and on each occasion he's been extremely generous with his time. One such occasion was in Chiswick (west London suburb) I was on the phone to my Father just before he died and he was in a hospital bed. My father was a massive rugby fan and whilst he was a Londoner, he was a massive Zinzan fan so I asked Zinny in passing if he'd have a quick chat with my Dad and wish him well. Without skipping a beat, he took the phone off me and wished my Father well and it made my Dads day. Thank you mate, you're a star Although I never was of the standard to play against Zinzan, I forgot to tell him that I played against his secondary school, Mahurangi , when I toured New Zealand as a School boy in 1992 (after he'd graduated unfortunately) . Great memories
One of my favourite All Blacks of all time. The man could do everything on a Rugby paddock and in my opinion the best number 8 i have seen in my life so far. Time to come home bro.
Mex was pretty good, Buck wasn't bad, Keiran read probably the best, but had the advantage of full time training in a professional environment, then Lochore, and Tremain weren't too shabby
Springbok fans of a certain age remember this Legend of the game fondly. Respect to you Zinzan. Great players are the ones you hate playing against and he most certainly fitted that mould. Love it.
As an Englishman I didnt enjoy his drop goal against us at the WC semi 1995 which was insult to injury on top of what Lomu was doing to us! But you have to admire that skill now alongside everything else he could do. Hes a good guy too.
A couple of years ago I rang Zinny to see if he might come to Ireland and help host a rugby lunch for a well known children's charity. He hopped on the plane, no fuss or wanting payment, and made the event a huge success with his presence. Thats the mark of the guy, just a humble, down to earth rugby man,. No 5 star hotels, as he stayed with me and I so enjoyed his company, the All Blacks played the same day but he was happy to watch the match in the pub, even giving his tickets up to raise money. Everybody raved about how genuine he was, I also got to meet his brother Robin back in NZ a few months ago and hes the same. A great sporting family. Men like this are once in a generation type players and men.
I watched ZinZan practice for the AB's at St Bedes College in Christchurch. I was 18. I fell in love with him before he kicked that incredible drop goal against the Springboks. The whole world erupted at his confidence & skill. I am Ngā Puhi and so is he. Whanau from NZ. Bless you and your whanau Zinzan.
Had the pleasure of doing some coaching with him. Legend. He oozed passion for rugby and rugby life and was so humble. Like spending time with a good, old mate.
I played rugby in South Wales the 80s and 90s. So many number 8’s based their entire games on Zinzan. Zinzan was a legendary rugby player and influenced many in Welsh rugby.
If you're the real Steve Pokere, I thought you were the silkiest player I have ever seen on a rugby field. I was at the '81 Maoris vs Boks game at Maclean park....you waz robbed!
Great interview,great fella.Saw the best of him in an Auckland jersey when I lived there in 1991.Never knew he lived in the UK tho😲 Kia Kaha Zinzan from a Welshman 👍
The jersey gained a great amount of mana and wairua from this man. You could tell his heart has been calling him home when he was asked that last question.❤
I'm an Englishman, but Zinzan is my favourite ever Rugby player. Just a consummate Footballer with amazing skills, as well as strength, courage and charisma. First saw him in 1985 I think playing in the Hong Kong 7s, then that drop goal v England etc! Couldn't imagine an England No.8 ever being able to do that!
Had the pleasure to watch Zinzan on a few occasions at the Hong Kong Rugby 7s when he was an up and coming young prospect. Wonderful player. I suspect he downed a few tinnies down the Wanch .Great times.
Was unsure of him, following Buck in the #8 jersey at the time. But he was class and the type of skillful ball playing #8 that we hadn't seen before... Became a genuinely great player and one of the best AB #8's ever.
What a player he was, he did so well, while an all black, he also built houses, and flipped an renovated them he left nz worth millions, then kept going double or quits, and unfortunately lost the lot. Wonderful player, and great man. An all time great. Legend
One of my favs of all time When he was chosen at number 8 and all the controversy around Buck Shelford.....he came into his own and became of force to be reckoned with.....yeh one of the greats.....he had it all..... ❤
Respect from the Real Cornish. Helluva player. Real legend both at home in New Zealand and throughout the whole, vast, overseas rugby communities. Warrior. ALL BLACK 833.
@@joedennehy386 he actually replaced Buck which made it even harder for people to accept Zinny at first. Zinny was wearing the no.8 jersey when the whole 'bring back Buck' campaign was going on. I think that's why people were nit picking at Zinny when he wasn't doing what he was in the NPC.
Ahh yes I remember growing up as a teenager when Zinny was around. The era when Auckland rugby was at its strongest (when ack rugby is strong, NZ rugby is strong) Fair play about the harsh lockdowns, that have now been proven to be totally wrong and should never have happened. Go well mate.
One of the greatest rugby players of all time. He earned the right to ramble a bit, and not answer the awkward questions. He was correct about the pandemic mandates. Masks and lockdowns did nothing to curb the virus.
Apparently Zinny used to land drop goals from everywhere in training impressing everyone.One day All Black Legend Bryan Williams said to him "Zinny if you can't do it in game it means nothing" the rest history! (According to Bee Gee)
I have always liked Zinzan, a good human being and an amazing Rugby player and athlete! He is from the same generation as Shane Jones, they talk about the same thing of 'taking responsibility!' and 'your life is life is decided by you'! This is that old and true generation of Maori that I love!!!! MANA! Kia kaha BRO!
A great rugby player. He took advantage of the skills and talent he had to get where he is. With regard to Shane? Shane also took advantage of the skills he and talent he has - but he was given a huge hand up by Matiu Rata, Georgina and Timi Te Heuheu, Ken Hingston, Waka Vercoe and others who pushed him forward. I wonder what they would say now...
People talk about the great No 7s of around the time (and they were good), but the real, in my view, rock stars were the three No8s - Mexted, Shelford and Brooke....along with the two silkiest backs of all time - Larkham and Cullen....
If there was one player you would never want to tackle it was Jonah very closely followed by this dude...he was tough, big and very fast at his peak, no thanks
My absolute FAVOURITE NZ sportsman, not just AB. This man is the real deal, full package. I would dearly love to have a beer with him. After a pre season match in Greymouth at the dawn of super rugby, when we were allowed to get autographs on field, I asked to take his picture. He instead told everyone to step back, placed his hands on my shoulders and smiled for a photo WITH me. I still have the photo and will cherish it forever. Nobody ever took the time to do that. I still don't know why he did it for me, when there were hundreds of other enthusiastic kids out there. I would love to tell him how much that impacted me, how much he inspired me to be the best I can in whatever I do. The man walks with a great deal of mana. Thank you Zinny
Respect from a Saffa. This chap was a "SERIOUS industrial strenght' All Black forward. Make no mistake. If I remember correctly I saw Zinzan in a test against the Springboks in Cape Town. Many years ago. In one incident he gathered the ball well over the halfway line in All Black territory. Quick as a flash, a brief look, and a dropkick. It sailed over our crossbar. Also when things got tough as Rugby did those days, he was NEVER 'shy!" Remarkable talent, and player, and a good bloke to top it all.
serious industrial strength, love the desicription
How the heck do you Saffas find every piece of rugby video on TH-cam...its remarkable...and very respectful at that
@@charlesraharaha6188 Friend, commenting as a bloke "well advanced into the coffin dodger stage" of life now, 😆😅and the 'luxury" of "occasional memory lapses"....😅😉to contend with I am not surprised. The match in question was indeed awhile ago early in the 2000"s.
Zinzan is an absolute gentleman. I've had the privilege to bump into him a couple of times in London and on each occasion he's been extremely generous with his time. One such occasion was in Chiswick (west London suburb) I was on the phone to my Father just before he died and he was in a hospital bed. My father was a massive rugby fan and whilst he was a Londoner, he was a massive Zinzan fan so I asked Zinny in passing if he'd have a quick chat with my Dad and wish him well. Without skipping a beat, he took the phone off me and wished my Father well and it made my Dads day. Thank you mate, you're a star
Although I never was of the standard to play against Zinzan, I forgot to tell him that I played against his secondary school, Mahurangi , when I toured New Zealand as a School boy in 1992 (after he'd graduated unfortunately) . Great memories
Mate, great story. Shows the class of the man to do that.
What a rugby player. Seems an even better bloke, father and son. Stay well, Zinzan
One of my favourite All Blacks of all time. The man could do everything on a Rugby paddock and in my opinion the best number 8 i have seen in my life so far. Time to come home bro.
Mex was pretty good, Buck wasn't bad, Keiran read probably the best, but had the advantage of full time training in a professional environment, then Lochore, and Tremain weren't too shabby
yeah..i cant think of a better no 8 ever
Springbok fans of a certain age remember this Legend of the game fondly. Respect to you Zinzan. Great players are the ones you hate playing against and he most certainly fitted that mould. Love it.
Zin Zan one of the greatest All Blacks number 8 of all time
Zinny is a legend
As an Englishman I didnt enjoy his drop goal against us at the WC semi 1995 which was insult to injury on top of what Lomu was doing to us! But you have to admire that skill now alongside everything else he could do. Hes a good guy too.
Unbelievable player- love from South Africa
A couple of years ago I rang Zinny to see if he might come to Ireland and help host a rugby lunch for a well known children's charity. He hopped on the plane, no fuss or wanting payment, and made the event a huge success with his presence. Thats the mark of the guy, just a humble, down to earth rugby man,. No 5 star hotels, as he stayed with me and I so enjoyed his company, the All Blacks played the same day but he was happy to watch the match in the pub, even giving his tickets up to raise money. Everybody raved about how genuine he was, I also got to meet his brother Robin back in NZ a few months ago and hes the same. A great sporting family. Men like this are once in a generation type players and men.
Brilliant. Thanks for sharing! ❤
Woaw...what a player he was. One of the best ever number 8s that ever played the game. He was a marvel to watch.
What a man!! Always liked him, now I love the man
I watched ZinZan practice for the AB's at St Bedes College in Christchurch. I was 18. I fell in love with him before he kicked that incredible drop goal against the Springboks. The whole world erupted at his confidence & skill. I am Ngā Puhi and so is he. Whanau from NZ. Bless you and your whanau Zinzan.
Ngatikopaki
One of the greatest ABs in history What a character
Had the pleasure of doing some coaching with him. Legend. He oozed passion for rugby and rugby life and was so humble. Like spending time with a good, old mate.
1992 to 97 was my favourite All Blacks era. big up zinny!
Great player, so good to see him in this video!
I remember when zinny, buck,Ian, turned up to our primary school. Those were the days when players cared. A real legend .
I played rugby in South Wales the 80s and 90s. So many number 8’s based their entire games on Zinzan. Zinzan was a legendary rugby player and influenced many in Welsh rugby.
Great korero Zinnie, straight up as usual. All the best brother
If you're the real Steve Pokere, I thought you were the silkiest player I have ever seen on a rugby field. I was at the '81 Maoris vs Boks game at Maclean park....you waz robbed!
Great interview,great fella.Saw the best of him in an Auckland jersey when I lived there in 1991.Never knew he lived in the UK tho😲
Kia Kaha Zinzan from a Welshman 👍
The jersey gained a great amount of mana and wairua from this man.
You could tell his heart has been calling him home when he was asked that last question.❤
That song from the dudes..
Very fitting for his era of player!
Played with heart, grit and determination.
Zinny Fitzy Iceman AMAZING
The epitome of All Blacks great legends 🫡🫡🫡
A great guy and one of my favorite AB players as a Bok supporter.
Best ever for me, a natural.
Totally agrees
I'm an Englishman, but Zinzan is my favourite ever Rugby player. Just a consummate Footballer with amazing skills, as well as strength, courage and charisma.
First saw him in 1985 I think playing in the Hong Kong 7s, then that drop goal v England etc! Couldn't imagine an England No.8 ever being able to do that!
Had the pleasure to watch Zinzan on a few occasions at the Hong Kong Rugby 7s when he was an up and coming young prospect. Wonderful player. I suspect he downed a few tinnies down the Wanch .Great times.
Was unsure of him, following Buck in the #8 jersey at the time. But he was class and the type of skillful ball playing #8 that we hadn't seen before... Became a genuinely great player and one of the best AB #8's ever.
This is a great video, nice work buddy
So nice to see Zinzan again! He's looking good and I hope he's doing well. Big love from NZ mate xxx
He looks so well, god bless him. Wonderful player.
What a player he was, he did so well, while an all black, he also built houses, and flipped an renovated them he left nz worth millions, then kept going double or quits, and unfortunately lost the lot. Wonderful player, and great man. An all time great. Legend
One of my favs of all time
When he was chosen at number 8 and all the controversy around Buck Shelford.....he came into his own and became of force to be reckoned with.....yeh one of the greats.....he had it all..... ❤
Legend Zinny
Part of the greatest ever All Black team.
Brilliant player Sean lead from the front and zinzan from the back...
Great video, watching it made me a bit emotional. The ABs have had so many greats but for me he's right up there. His was a great rugby era.
My all time favourite all black ❤
Legendary...
Zin Zan was an amazing player...one of the best no 8's. My hero!!!
Fully loaded Legend one of a kind
Zinny was my rugby idol. What a player he was. I had to laugh at his non-answer 5:07😂
Respect from the Real Cornish. Helluva player. Real legend both at home in New Zealand and throughout the whole, vast, overseas rugby communities. Warrior. ALL BLACK 833.
Legend. 💪
Looks and sounds excellent. Glad he's doing well. 👍
Great player. Loved the game at that time. Forgot to cover what he's up to now.
Class🇿🇦
Stood up for New Zealand during the Covid regime. 💪
At first, Zinny struggled to transfer his good NPC form to the test arena but when he did, it was all over. Zinny was the man.
Well he couldn't get a game, due to Buck the legend
@@joedennehy386 he actually replaced Buck which made it even harder for people to accept Zinny at first. Zinny was wearing the no.8 jersey when the whole 'bring back Buck' campaign was going on. I think that's why people were nit picking at Zinny when he wasn't doing what he was in the NPC.
He's my 8 on any all-time team you pick!
Zinny’s Dad got me - 98! Bless ❤🙏
He is one of the greatest players EVER.
what a great human being. we lose $ to gain a better understanding of what’s important. adversity builds courage and strength and humanity
Ahh yes I remember growing up as a teenager when Zinny was around. The era when Auckland rugby was at its strongest (when ack rugby is strong, NZ rugby is strong)
Fair play about the harsh lockdowns, that have now been proven to be totally wrong and should never have happened.
Go well mate.
When was the last time we had a number 8 like zinny who could do dropkicks like a 1st 5, legend
One of the greatest rugby players of all time. He earned the right to ramble a bit, and not answer the awkward questions. He was correct about the pandemic mandates. Masks and lockdowns did nothing to curb the virus.
Apparently Zinny used to land drop goals from everywhere in training impressing everyone.One day All Black Legend Bryan Williams said to him "Zinny if you can't do it in game it means nothing" the rest history! (According to Bee Gee)
Great story on of a great man. This is far better than your usual fluff
He was my favourite player growing up. Good cricketer too.
But lets be honest... After the McCaw era those old school AB environments look toxic asf.
❤ A.B LEGEND, AWESOME #8 ❤
Great all black and a special guy from Gigi Belluno played against him and had a few beers
Zinzan was incredibly difficult to understand during 4:59 - 6:35.
nice work
Respect Zinny
He struggled to answer the question about his taha Māori
I have always liked Zinzan, a good human being and an amazing Rugby player and athlete! He is from the same generation as Shane Jones, they talk about the same thing of 'taking responsibility!' and 'your life is life is decided by you'! This is that old and true generation of Maori that I love!!!! MANA! Kia kaha BRO!
A great rugby player. He took advantage of the skills and talent he had to get where he is. With regard to Shane? Shane also took advantage of the skills he and talent he has - but he was given a huge hand up by Matiu Rata, Georgina and Timi Te Heuheu, Ken Hingston, Waka Vercoe and others who pushed him forward. I wonder what they would say now...
Even an All Black legend has left NZ. What hope for the joint?
People talk about the great No 7s of around the time (and they were good), but the real, in my view, rock stars were the three No8s - Mexted, Shelford and Brooke....along with the two silkiest backs of all time - Larkham and Cullen....
Legend
Quote: Was outspoken and copped flack from media and “Followers”. Well he’s a bloody leader and was probably right in the first place. 🥇 Ledgend
He actually has a wee bit of a British accent now after so much time there
What the hell was his answer to the question of "what's your journey like in the Maori world?" Mumbo Jumbo answer about poverty?? Like what the?? Lol
He means to him being Maori was about being poor so he’s spent most of his life staying away from Maori stuff 😂
BRING BACK ZINNY !
Best No 8 All Blacks ever! Ahead of Buck Shelford and Kieran Read for me !!!
Would’ve been great Manly Sea Eagles legend
churr, i grew up pretending i was zinny everytime i had a ball in my hands ay lol
The Blues best no 8
a plumbing and gas fitter who now knows what he doesn't know.. A truely great man on the park..
If there was one player you would never want to tackle it was Jonah very closely followed by this dude...he was tough, big and very fast at his peak, no thanks
❤
Bring Back Buck
Actually Zinzan didn't get his CV lockdown call wrong at all.
8.28 I got a bit lost
Fanow aye unreal
Him and his wife didn't follow the covid bullshit! A real celebrity unlike the other sheep celebs😂😅😊
Kia Ora sir. Looking good with all that grey hair. Or is that a bit of wisdom and knowledge🤨
Fantastic player who will always remind me of a 50cent piece.......it takes 2 to make a "Buck". LOL.
🇿🇦🏉🇳🇿
Kia ora
'we woke up one morning and realized we could just declare bankruptcy...'
On loan from Puhoi .
Signs of CTE
@@SBW_85 what is CTE?
Forwards these days don’t have the confidence to do that kind of stuff 😂🫡
BMT and mentally indestructible
Zinny looking like a geezer now days😂
Couldd of played for Manly
not the must natural speaker
Great rugby player. But the biggest clown !! 👎👎
He broke the forwards have no ball skills mentality