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LONDON - Jock Hobbs stepped back in time on a rugby training paddock today and ended up on his backside as a result.
The New Zealand Rugby Union chairman added a touch of levity to the All Blacks' training session, gamely acting as a virtual tackle bag as the test team went through its paces.
Hobbs, who played 21 tests and 18 matches for the All Blacks between 1983 and 1986, wore a padded suit to dull the impact but he still grimaced when being hit by Ali Williams, Rodney So'oialo and Hikawera Elliot.
The openside flanker, who captained the All Blacks for the fourth and final time in a test when France inflicted a painful 16-3 loss at Nantes in 1986, had a history of concussion issues but thankfully emerged from his role as target practice unscathed.
He showed no signs of distress later in the day when arriving at Tourism New Zealand's giant rugby ball at Tower Bridge for a function where the team met Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, Chiefs coach Ian Foster has also been sighted at training since the team arrived in London. Foster has been involved in the All Blacks environment after watching the test in Wales as part of an off-season break.
- NZPA
