DON CLARKE TIDBITS

Don Clarke retained the match ball after kicking six penalties in their controversial 18-17 win against the Lions in 1959 - until an NZRFU official asked him to donate it to a small boy. Clarke always regretted his generosity.

When Don Clarke had to kick a sideline conversion to draw the All Black match against South Africa in 1960, his brother Ian was touch judge. Ian had his flag up the instant Don had kicked the ball. The match was drawn 11-11.

At the start of the 1963-64 tour UK media reported that Don Clarke was over-weight. In Andrew Mulligan's book of the tour Clarke is listed at 17.5 st. The next heaviest is Ron Horsley at 16 st. Colin Meads is listed as 15.10 st.

Don Clarke started his career for Waikato as a 17 year old in 1951. He was an instant hero - kicking 2 penalties, and helping Waikato beat North Auckland 6 -3 to win the Ranfurly Shield. He went on the play 98 games for Waikato until 1964.

On a tour match in South Africa in 1960 Don Clarke forgot his left boot. He played with odd boots, using a spare left boot from Kel Tremain until someone fetched his boot and sent it onto the field during an injury break. 

Don Clarke lost kicking form at the end of the 1963-64 tour. Over the last 4 games of the tour he kicked 3 out of 21 shots - including missing his first 2 kicks in the final test against France before handing over the kicks to Mac Herewini.

Not long after being a hero with 6 penalties to beat the 1959 Lions, Don Clarke played a game for Waikato against the tourists in which he missed 7 penalties and 2 drop kick attempts, and conceded a penalty try. Waikato lost 14-0.

Only four test All Blacks share their name with other All Blacks. Mark Robinson was both a centre (debut 2000) and halfback (1998), whilst Don Clark was both a flanker (1964) alongside Don Clarke the fullback (1956).

According to records, when Don Clarke debuted for the All Blacks at 16-stone in 1956 the fullback was heavier than Colin Meads at 15s, 9lb.