Famous old All Blacks are continuing to rake in money unimaginable in their playing days.
The jersey worn by the legendary George Nepia in New Zealand's first victory over Wales in 1924 is up for auction. The guide price suggests it can fetch close to $100,000, although another auction result indicates it will go for much more than that.
The teenage Nepia was the only player to figure in all 32 of the "Invincibles" matches on their unbeaten northern tour, which included a 19 - 0 victory over Wales in Swansea. Nepia swapped his jersey with opposite Tom "Codger" Johnson, and it was initially displayed at a Cardiff department store. Johnson's grandson is selling the jersey.
Nepia died in 1986, at the age of 81, when rugby was still officially amateur, although he had switched codes in 1935, joining an English league club for the impressive sum of 500 pounds. In his autobiography, Nepia stated the big victory over the Welsh was regarded as retribution for the 1905 defeat which involved the infamous Bob Deans no-try decision.
An All Black jersey belonging to the 1905 "Originals" captain Dave Gallaher fetched $421,000 in October, more than four times the expected price.
