Blast from the past: No Fonnie business as SA make history against NZ

Today in SA sports history: September 17

1921 — The Springbok team, captained by eighthman Boy Morkel, plays to a 0-0 draw against New Zealand in the final third Test at Athletic Park in Wellington to draw the first-ever series between these two sides 1-1.

1949 — The Springboks beat New Zealand 11-8 in the final fourth Test in Port Elizabeth to complete an historical 4-0 series whitewash. Scrumhalf Fonnie du Toit scored SA’s only try, with prop Okey Geffin landing the conversion and a penalty, and flyhalf Hansie Brewis nailing a drop. The visitors scored more tries — worth three points then — in three of the four Tests, but it wasn’t enough to cancel out Geffin’s deadly boot...