Jeff Wilson - The Golden Boy

South Africans, for some reason, always went on about how Jonah Lomu never scored against the Boks. But no one ever admits how many tries Christian Cullen and Jeff Wilson scored against us! I find it odd that Jeff Wilson isn't always seen as one of the best All Black wings ever. He is probably just behind Lomu and Kirwan on the all time greatest list.
An instinctive player who finished off tries that few would have scored. Here is a collection of some of his best tries.
Enjoy and thanks for watching!

[@rangidalglish4743]

The days when Otago rugby was revered through out the world and Carisbrook was “ The house of pain “ Afternoons on the terrace with my mates watching Goldie, the Bear, Tbone and all the others. Magic days. As my hair turns gray and the beer gut expands. Memories more the sweeter.

[@balastrade]

Fond memories.

[@rexprangnell6815]

Look closer old man they are still there born and bred and stamped on their brain of every talented all black on their first game , hope and dreams seen pioneers of future NZ rugby but I’m just an ignorant kiwi fan

[@JimChap]

Yeah mate, the Scarfies of Carisbrook, especially the students, was an incredible thing back in the 90s. Young people flooding in and becoming instant Otago fans was fantastic - back when the Ranfurly Shield was the biggest prize in NZ rugby.

[@JimChap]

I never sat there, but I envy you. I imagine the Otago fans sitting in the Terraces justifiably expecting to beat every single team that dared to enter Carisbrook, from Auckland to the British Lions.....golden years, you are lucky to have been there, for real.

[@bmac63]

Agree, the days at games at Carisbrook were so great as a kid growing up, the Otago Team at that time was so good as they stuck together for a few years, I was away from Dunedin when we beat the Lions in 93 but a large crowd of us watched that game from London , it was so good. Jeff was a world class player in that position.

[@JohnnyDogs1978]

Him and Cullen used to tear Australia to shreds. Couldn't help but admire them, especially Cullen, so dangerous.

[@MarsFKA]

He got better with every game and retired at the peak of his career. Thanks for the memories, Goldie. It was great!

[@ims9374]

We have been blessed with some brilliant rugby players in nz , but this guy has to be up there as the best 14 in the world of all time .

[@chrisbotha6097]

One of the greatest of all time.

[@hohepateika1]

He is currently host of Sky Sports The Breakdown (available on youtube). I forgot what a great player he was. Such a humble person regards his sporting achievements in his weekly banter with another great winger, John Kirwan. Thanks for making and posting this tribute.

[@ianboyd8685]

What a legend. Such a talented player, & not just physically. He could read the game like few others

[@countycricklewood]

Probably most complete player and AB in his position in that time

[@bena3341]

Was a great time to be an Otago fan. The backline they had was legendary

[@JimChap]

Golden years my friend. When we went towards Super rugby we lost something here. Remember those epic Ranfurly Shield battles of the early 90s and that fantastic Otago team that took down the Lions in 1993? there was real strength and real depth in NZ rugby like never before.

[@rh5466]

There were arguably a few who were as talented as him in the history of rugby, but it's hard to think of anyone who in fact was more talented. He would make my all-time XV.

[@damien9654]

It's hard to think of people as talented

[@fka_the_body1542]

Cullen🤷🏽‍♂️??

[@JimChap]

@@fka_the_body1542 Yeah maybe so, equally dangerous for sure. Both brilliant. I think Wilson had more skills but Cullen's running was special.

[@juanignaciogroisman6055]

Cullen was better

[@umosay]

Passing was so much slicker in the 90's, not it's just shoveling it on. Mehrts was just a master of passing .

[@bustarogers9990]

I agree mate , Rugby seems to have lost it's silky sooth skills they used to have , then again i'm probably just showing my age lol.

[@s.a.1834]

I just love how he backs himself with all kick n chase and scores , he had some wheels on him 🔥💯👏🏽

[@Martin-pb7ts]

What an athlete he was. As a Saffa here in NZ it is very clear that the Kiwis love "Goldie". What a sportsmen - a very accomplished All Black but he also played cricket for New Zealand scoring the winning runs in an ODI against Australia. He won national field and track titles in high school and once scored 66 points in a school rugby match scoring 9 tries and 15! conversions. The guy was a points scoring machine in every discipline he tried. What is also not really well known is that he edged out the great John Kirwan as first choice right wing for the 1993 All Blacks tour of Scotland and England and that choice mainly hinged upon a try he scored for Otago to create an upset win over Auckland at Carisbrook. Probably the only thing he didn't like was goal kicking but how many wingers do you know that kicked a penalty and 3 conversions at test level? Big fan of his, except when he scored against the Boks. :-)

[@paulmihaere8270]

He was an exceptional athlete - apparently an outstanding basketballer as well. Had all the skills

[@rahowherox1177]

@@paulmihaere8270 yes, a talented bball player for sure.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

Martin Coetzee C'mon mate, you failed to mention his wife is drop dead gawjus!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@toiletsmithy3630]

dont gotta make everything about SA. Australia hated him even more

[@Martin-pb7ts]

@@toiletsmithy3630 What a completely weird comment.

[@Rodz-vg2el]

He scored a lot of tries, golden boy he was. Great player..😎🇳🇿🤙🏾

[@RolloZx]

What a player. Had absolutely everything.

[@luger188]

What a magnificent player he was, just unbelievable!

[@JimChap]

Yep, once in a lifetime - especially when you consider the cricketing element.

[@twosnakse]

Awesome vid, thank you! Spend many hours chip 'n chasing in the backyard because of him.

[@New_Zealand_Music]

Jeff was such a total legend!!!

[@aaronmckechnie4467]

Wonderful player! Great skills! Genuine try scorer. Great energy. A great servant of the game. And, still going strong in the media game. Really enjoy his rugby analysis.

[@warken1985]

When i was younger, SIMBA chips used to give out tazos of famous rugby players in their packets - Jeff Wilson was my all time favourite so needless to say when i finally got it, i was over the moon :D

[@MrCWL]

Man, this guy is just SO BLOODY GOOD. His stride width and takeoff strength is incredible. That try in the third minute against Auckland was just INSANE, so goddamn good.

[@ay613]

Great finisher and seems like a guy that has good banter.

[@DjSLaPnuTS]

Probably the most complete winger the AB's have had. Good pace, kick and chase, sounds hands and solid defender!

[@bennichols1113]

and always in support.

[@SMC01ful]

Easily in the debate for the GOAT. Wilson was incredible.

[@JimChap]

@@SMC01ful Damn right. Goldie's skills, in my opinion, are unequalled.

[@alexk2652]

As an aussie gotta say these backline skills are magic and something the current wallabies cannot do.

[@Tokeboy01]

And the commentary..... "LEGENDARY".......

[@rexprangnell6815]

What can you say, but I bloody hope that my country (NZ)keeps producing young gifted players . They have been on a conveyor forever but I’m just an ignorant kiwi fan

[@nickca6104]

He averaged 6.97 points per match. Nobody else has numbers like that.

[@dirkmeatwhistle3552]

My ABs back three is Lomu, Wilson and Cullen. Each player brought different skills and complimented each other superbly.

[@keithmoon8838]

I've got exactly the same back three in my all-time. Goldie had it all.

[@stelley08]

another great talent to come out of invercargill.. played for the nz cricket team too

[@lalonesko9152]

his chip and chases were deadly.....🎯bang on 🏉🏃🏃🏃

[@brettwilkinson9529]

Definitely New Zealand's greatest skilled winger.

[@starmersbarber]

Surely one of the greatest kick chase rugby players that's ever been!

[@SMC01ful]

I'd say the best.

[@locominyana8916]

@@SMC01ful Him & Joe Roff use to have some good ding-dong battles in that arena.

[@JimChap]

@@locominyana8916 I don't remember Roff being a big exponent of the kick and chase but he was very good - world class - still not on the level of Jeff though I think it's fair to say.

[@locominyana8916]

@@JimChap Roff has the best kick chase try of all time..... like literally.

[@JimChap]

@@locominyana8916 I'm not trying to take anything away from Roff, but I don't think he's the equal of Jeff Wilson.

[@edgestanden4770]

Chip and chase against South Africa what pace slick as

[@nzsoulman]

He, Lomu and Cullen have to be the best back three we've had

[@Matt-er1ks]

Crazy when you consider Tana was playing at the same time too. 4 all time legends fighting for three spots.

[@nzsoulman]

@@Matt-er1ks mortlock from aus was good. I think the Irish boy was so overrated. He still holds a grudge. At least the Aussie boys just get on with it. And the springboks don't even mention it.

[@luger188]

@@Matt-er1ks Not just Tana, but Glen Osborne was incredible as well, I rate him as good as Cullen.

[@TheMAORIRULE]

@@nzsoulman Stephen Larkin was the man. I hated seeing him play against the AB's you knew he was a big deciding factor whether the Aussies won/loss.

[@nzsoulman]

@@TheMAORIRULE yeah larkham was awesome. I didn't like seeing him and gregan lining up for Aussie

[@blakewatkins9804]

He is brilliant best chip and chase is perfect

[@chrisbell8271]

Not only was he one of the best, he also played alongside Jonah and Christian as an all black of greater longevity. Skill alone, and he was known in that time as the golden one for a reason

[@damondavidson6510]

Goldie was probably one of the greatest wingers and fullback in All Black history.

[@hankgoldenshaft]

Thanks from a kiwi my SA brother! May the ABs vs. Boks rivalry last forever!!!!!!!!

[@RealRugby]

Thanks mate! Let's hope the Boks can get back to where they need to be. There is nothing quite like a test between a strong AB and strong Springbok teams. May the rivalry last forever...

[@kelisianoedwards]

LOMU was good, and WILSON that try he score's @4:16...... 😮 Awesome play....... 💖🙏🏾☝🏾 AND I MISS THE OLD NZ COMMENTARY! 😊👏🏾❤

[@stelley08]

Another great double coder from Invercargill, SOUTHLAND 👍👍😀😀

[@AdrenalineConcept]

Try at 8:40. I remember watching this live on the Tele at a mates house live. Day time rugby in South Africa. We then went out and started playing rugby. Was awesome intensity.

[@martsum398]

Jeez he was graceful, everything down to the perfect dives.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

WIlson was my hero growing up, I was there when he scored every one of the tries at Carisbrook in this video. He scored that first try right in front of me, I remember it like it was yesterday. This brought back some very fond memories. Also, I didn't know Lomu never scored against the Boks, that's an interesting stat... Great channel!

[@RealRugby]

Thanks for the support mate! As a South African I don't care much about that Lomu stat. I think we were obsessed with stopping him which allowed Cullen and Wilson to score all the tries. It's a nothing stat and takes nothing away from what a legend Lomu was

[@nzsoulman]

Didn't the Springbok change their entire defensive pattern to combat Jonah

[@toiletsmithy3630]

@@RealRugby same with aussie. we had an insane rivalry with them through late 90s and early 2000's, greatest games ive seen. classic nz v aus

[@RealRugby]

@@toiletsmithy3630 I agree. Those two tests in 2000 was probably the greatest series ever

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

@@RealRugby I'm rewatching this a year later and at 8:03 there were 3 very flat passes in that play, especially the last one... I could entertain an argument that it wasn't a try if I wasn't from NZ ;)

[@gizzmo8024]

The chip and chase King.

[@PK-bh2sr]

Arguably the best Right Winger of all time. Haven't seen a player execute the chip and chase as often as Goldie...🏉🏆

[@lowkeynz]

He got a bit addicted there for a while though. It's a bit of a selfish move when it doesn't come off.

[@FaatasiPuleiatafaatasi]

Wilson one of the greatest rugby player thats why his name will be remembered

[@lbradshaw6817]

Legend alrite!👍

[@TheMontyfire]

Double all black ,rugby and cricket and a great basketballer ,some just have it all

[@rahowherox1177]

A special era of nz fullbacks ... wilson, osbourne, timu, cullen ... all forced onto wing by the others.

[@hicktownguy2]

one of the greatest rugby players of all time

[@greyhamlogan2255]

As much as I thought he was incredible, let's not forget the lost try, (lost test) when the ball was punched from his diving arm.😢

[@seapeoples9461]

Wilson, Wilson, Wilson. Wonderful Wilson.

[@pixelmasque]

for some a kick and chase is their highlight reel, this guy made it a side salad.

[@ynotegg]

Amazing tries and a great All Black.

[@dcarter10]

This is gold. Keep it up!

[@s.a.1834]

Superstar of world rugby back in the days 🔥🔥🔥👌🏽❤️

[@deeglencairn2598]

as well as being a try scoring machine on the wing its often forgotten that he played in the NZ cricket team in a ODI against Australia in the 90’s.

[@jamieanderson8308]

2:18, never knew James Gandolfini was a rugby fan

[@Renegades182]

Lol

[@lbradshaw6817]

Before the Sopranos lol🤣🤣😂

[@andywalker9079]

My favourite player when I was growing up,still think the all blacks were nobbled in SA .

[@johndiesel8240]

He was a Good Finisher. Another Awesome Player

[@SMC01ful]

He was a genius out there. The greatest right wing we've ever had and I'd argue (with extreme bias of course) he's the best all round winger to have ever played the game. He had everything really, just a totally class act. He'd probably have the all time AB try scoring record if he didn't throw tonnes of inside passes to supporting players. Utterly unselfish. Moreover, NZ's international wingers in his day didn't see quite the amount of ball they do in today's game. Nowaday's wingers cut in-field a lot more and they'll have a 2nd Five or Center taking their position's for moves, etc., Anyhow, in Goldies day Bunce, and Cullen got a tonne of tries, because, they saw a lot of ball in the middle of the pitch and they were good finishers. Sometimes, though they were inclined to a bit of goal line fever where they could've passed and made things safer. Ah, well can't complain to much, but when I think about the relative scraps Wilson had to work with it only increases my admiration.

[@RealRugby]

SMC01ful I agree with you mate. One of the greatest wingers of all time and for some strange reason a bit under rated. He was awesome and as a South African he caused us so much heartache. That try in the series clincher at Loftus in '96 still hurts. He was probably the wing with the most all round skills the game has ever seen. Absolutely brilliant!

[@SMC01ful]

Thanks mate, nice to hear an opposing fan. Yeah, I think Wilson is the sort of player a true Rugby fan appreciates. Hence, the "underrated," lol, there are some true dumb arse's out there. Bob Dwyer called Wilson the best all round winger he'd ever seen. He know's a thing or two does our Bob. If you know your Rugby, he's pretty much number one, or there about's. As I was saying in his era, wingers weren't cutting inside like they do today. Moreover, training has changed remarkably, boots, etc. I'll tell you one thing bro, Andre Joubert is up there in terms of Full Back's mate. Class act, just a smooth operator. We loved Cullen of course, but me and my mates rated Joubert freaking highly over here in NZ. In fact when injuries began to take their toll on Cullen and he lost a yard, you could see he wasn't as polished a player as Joubert in his pomp. I'm also going to mention Dannie Gerber... fuck me what a player. Years ahead of his time, he could play anywhere. I'd love to see the doco about him bro. Him and Stu Wilson were the two most gifted backs of their era. You could play those guys anywhere on the pitch.

[@RealRugby]

SMC01ful Ah, a man that knows his rugby! Danie Gerber is in my humble opinion, the greatest centre ever. It's a shame the world didn't see more of him. There's a reason he's our featured video on the Real Rugby channel. He had everything. Pace, power, solid defence, a wicked sidestep and he was smart on the field. I was lucky enough to have met him a couple of times. A true legend in real life as well. Joubert was great, he peaked late in his career, but still a wonderful player. Second only to the great HO De Villiers, again, in my humble opinion

[@SMC01ful]

Woh you've met him... FFS, he's one Bok I'd love to meet. Yeah, Gerber had it all. When someone say's he was the best Center of all time I don't disagree. I think one thing he had going for him was his surprise factor. You know he wasn't watched or studied like today's players are. If he was in today's game he'd still be bloody good, but his ball running, might be slightly curtailed with marking, etc., Yet, we had some pretty average coaches in his time. We tended to focus on shutting down Naas Botha. The reasoning being was shut down Naas, and you'll dry up Gerbers ball. Yet, due to us not studying Gerber properly he gave us huge headaches; because, he was a smart bastard and knew we were after Naas, so it looks to me he'd run the 2nd Five, channel. Another cool thing Gerber did, was stand quite deep so he could hit the ball at pace. So fuck marking the guy, he was a total menace. Quite extraordinary what he could do. As De Villier's, haven't seen enough of his play to go one way or another. I know he caused us some major hassles in 1970. I like what you said about Joubert; indeed, it's another thing Cullen didn't do so well. Joubert as you said got better as he aged, Cullen, on the other hand didn't.

[@RealRugby]

SMC01ful Don't get me started on Naas... my childhood hero. I have two rules when talking about rugby. 1. Don't engage with any Western Province supporter who goes on about the 5 golden years of the 80's. 2. Don't engage with anyone who thinks Naas was a one dimensional player who could onlt kick... Naas was actually a great distributor for any back line. People in SA remember him as a kicking flyhalf, because he kicked so bloody well. But so did Mehrtens, Carter and Wilkinson. Naas had it all and Gerber, Du Plessis and Mordt were better players for having him on their inside. Doc Craven called him a rugby genius

[@paullaurenson5109]

Without doubt the best chip and chase exponent the game has ever seen

[@AnticipatedDay]

Good times good times, forgot just how good he was

[@nicolaslegrand9379]

loved it!!

[@jarinxcii263]

Just saw him today and got an autograph can’t top that 😩

[@kevrenner3889]

Was my boyhood hero. Remember scoring a chip n chase one day in club footy u16s and my old man (also the coach) said what the bloody hell were you thinking.. said I’d learnt it off Goldie haha

[@stewartbryson2722]

Back when people went to games!

[@shankrl1]

thanks so much for the video man!

[@RealRugby]

Lance Trollstrong I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the support!

[@elainematheson5378]

Totally agree - one of the greatest

[@jackweta]

goldy to baldy awesome player

[@vetaiapettitt9749]

Legend 💪🏽

[@dwood-js5mp]

The comments on this video are a disgrace. Despite the fact goldie has somehow hurt your feeings expressing his rugby opinions (especially as probably knows more about rugby than 95% of the people on the planet) he was a magnificent player. If it wasn't for the fact that the All Blacks had so many other magnificent backs at the time, the crowds would be amazed by him. In almost any other team and any other time he would be the stand out back. And he was an all round athlete too.

[@nando660]

Impresionante....

[@ynotegg]

Too good 👌🏽

[@honestfreightkolovai7654]

Cracked under pressure in the most important games 94 - vs Aust 95 - MIA during world cup final vs SA 99 - semi final vs France at full back with Cully out of position. Ben Smith is a greater & more all round player.

[@user-eq9jv5uf7d]

3:16 crazy acceleration after making the chip through

[@hj7008]

08.38 even outruns Cullen!! Wow 2 runners like that in the same side.

[@To-The-DEE]

Bring back the long sleeve all black jersey!!

[@FrightF]

Best up and under and grubber and golden hands.

[@brettmciver432]

i miss those muddy games

[@benweare8548]

How good was Robin Brooke while we’re at it!

[@nielspeter9692]

good to see the terraces again, standing room only at Carisbrook

[@davidbutler8246]

what a trie

[@rhyspaul6525]

Back in the days when people actually went too games!!

[@brucebanner9911]

If I'm not mistaken he played for the black caps also

[@vjmpublishing6192]

I consider Wilson the most skilled back I have ever seen play with the exception of Carter and maybe O'Driscoll. Even a player as good as Ben Smith couldn't dream of some of these tries.

[@keithmoon8838]

O'Driscoll? Only skill he had was considering himself more important than the team. Average player, below average man.

[@EllliotJackRussel1]

@@keithmoon8838 trolling?

[@keithmoon8838]

@@EllliotJackRussel1 Speaking the truth. If you want to know how good BOD was, just ask him. Ego the size of Jupiter.

[@EllliotJackRussel1]

@@keithmoon8838 maybe that's why he was great. All about personality, match-winning attitude.

[@keithmoon8838]

@@EllliotJackRussel1 You can worship him all you like, but he's not even in the top 10 centres of all time, too self-involved, mentally weak. All about Brian, as evidenced by his behaviour when Gatland dropped him in Australia, and indeed on the 2005 tour to NZ. Not exactly focused on the team was our Brian.

[@Togsnew]

Called the Golden Boy as he played both Cricket and Rugby for NZ before he was 20. He could have chosen an International career in either sport. However his favourite sport was meant to be Basketball. He probably could have represented NZ at that too.

[@neoconkiwi5575]

I just found out the golden boy is my 3rd cousin

[@stirlingstreetmachines4434]

6:43 is ridiculous. I dont think iv ever seen anyone do that since!

[@brodieritete7568]

Good player

[@timc3773]

And don't forget he represented NZ in one day cricket, including one match winning performance.

[@nickca6104]

He could probably run a 10.5

[@dan812]

Whats the song in the intro called?

[@yourhypothesis5875]

He was a cricketer.

[@TheMAORIRULE]

That Jeff WIlson 94 Bledisloe Cup last minute failed try which was knocked out by Gregan on the line is highly likely why.

[@toniocartonio572]

What's the intro song?

[@christopherjohnthurston2729]

Yeah.( Jeff Wilson ) he spillled the there against the Aussies at a crucial moment which more tham likely would,ve been a try and the wimning of the match theren for the All Blacks

[@bigblue390]

jeff wilson and christian cullen are in my mind 2 of the best allround skillfull rugby players ever lomu was big and fast and could score when others couldnt but ask him to use his brains in a match and your on your own

[@hellovanite]

bigblue2121 bob I have said it time and again too be a truly great player you have to be a good decision maker in general play. You can have the physical presense but with out the appropriate grey matter you are and always will be in the middle of the pack. Conrad Smith is a great one for knowing what to do in tight situations, adversely Fekitoa not so much.

[@brucerichards8848]

My favourite players too bigblue2121 bob. Wilson's speed was incredible.

[@sage6336]

Backline goldie Jona and Cullen

[@mruv5944]

Greatest NZ wingers of all time: Lomu Rokocoko Wilson Howlett Savea

[@nickca6104]

Rokocoko is not better than Wilson and Howlett.

[@RatelHBadger]

Savea is good but not in the same league as the others... you need Kirwan and Tuigamala above them.

[@youtubearchive3668]

Randle and Laney were better than Savea lol