New book says 1905 Original Deans scored aganst Wales

A 100-year-old controversy, still debated when New Zealanders and Welshmen talk rugby, has been resolved, according to a book to be launched today.

The authors of 1905 Originals, Bob Howitt and Dianne Haworth, provide evidence of Bob Deans' disallowed try. A private diary has revealed the identity of the Welshman who pulled Deans back into the field of play after he had scored.

Howitt says the "try that wasn't" remains the most controversial try in the game.

"All Black Bob Deans would claim on his deathbed he had scored the try, the game's Scottish referee would indignantly deny it 30 years later and the hero of Wales would stand against his team-mates on the issue," Howitt and Haworth say.

They say the diary of Originals manager George Dixon helped resolve the mystery.

- NZPA