Former All Black Pickering dies

Cape Town - Former All Blacks forward Rex Pickering, best-known for his try for Waikato against the 1956 Springboks, has died at the age of 79.

New Zealand Rugby said Pickering, who played 21 All Blacks games from 1957-60 including three Tests, died in Hamilton on Tuesday.

The lock/loose forward entered Waikato rugby folklore with a crucial try in the 14-10 win over South Africa in Hamilton, the first match on their 1956 tour.

An injury in the backline forced a shift to the wing in the first half for 19-year-old Pickering.

He impressed there with his speed and skill, crashing over in the corner for a try which earned him national headlines.