The international call up for Frankfurt-born Anton Segner has evoked memories of the first German to represent the All Blacks.
Richmond resident Chris Bensemann’s ears pricked up at a television report that Anton, a former Tasman Mako, had made history by becoming the first player of German heritage to make the national team.
“My third cousin, Don Max, from Brightwater, was an All Black almost 100 years ago,” says the keen rugby observer.
Don was a great grandson of one of the earliest German settlers, Cordt Bensemann, who arrived in the region in 1843.
At 1.88m and 99kg, the Brightwater Pirates lock and loose forward was big by 1920’s standards and his rugged provincial performances earned the 25-year-old farmer All Blacks selection in 1931 against Australia at Eden Park.
He played eight matches, with all three of his tests against the Wallabies, and but for injuries the bruising tackler would surely have played more.
He broke his ankle at the start of the tour of Australia in 1932 and then again in his final test against the Wallabies in 1934, which ended his first-class career.
Like Anton, Don was a product of Nelson College, and he went on to become a governor of the school.
He was also a prominent rugby administrator, culminating in his presidency of the New Zealand Rugby Union in 1949.
Don Max passed away in 1972 at the age of 65.
