Hikatarewa Rockcliffe Reid
Born in the heart of the Bay, Rotorua on the 8th of April, 1958. The original 'modern hooker', who was born to run with the ball (a bit like the modern day Kevin Mealamu in fact). Who will forget the try he scored at Brisbane in 1980 in the All Blacks 12-9 win. A length of the field affair that saw him start the movement and finish it after a classic break from Bruce Robertson up the centre of the field.
Hika only played nine tests, playing at the same time as Andy Dalton in the early eighties. His first test was in 1980, against Australia - a 9-13 loss, and his final test was also against Australia, in 1986, another loss 9-22. He also played 31 matches against provincial sides for the All Blacks, scoring six tries, giving him total of eight for the All Blacks. His two test tries were against Australia and Wales. The Welsh try was also a classic, in their centenary celebration test loss to the touring All Blacks. This too was a long range affair, Hika picking up the final pass from a flat on his back Stu Wilson to score - magic it was.
Hika made try scoring a bit of a habit too, scoring twice for the Bay in their 1982 win over the Australian tourists.
With Steve McDowell, one of the best front rowers of his generation, and certainly the best number 2 to pull on a hooped jersey in the colours of the mighty Bay.
All Black 1980-1986
Read about Hika's All Black career at the rugby museum |
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