The Boot's day of reflection
August 24, 2001

All Black goalkicking master Don Clarke was honoured at Eden Park yesterday by a host of New Zealand greats brought together to celebrate "A Decade with The Boot" and help raise Clarke's spirits as he battles cancer.

"After being away for so long, to come back and see so many faces is marvellous," he told the New Zealand Herald. "I have shed a few tears because at the back of my mind I know that I have a fight. Melanoma is hard to kill and I wouldn't wish chemotherapy on my worst enemy.

"But I will be back. Whether it is in five years or 10, I will be back."

The celebratory luncheon was attended by guests including Colin Meads, Waka Nathan, Sir Wilson Whineray, Kevin Skinner and Ross Brown, and entertainer Sir Howard Morrison.

Together they shared stories of The Boot's kicking exploits for both Waikato and the All Blacks.

Sir Brian Lochore remembered how Clarke's popularity was often an advantage for his teammates.

"Don was a hero right through France and Britain. When we used to go to training and functions there would always be people waiting for autographs outside.

"We always used to say to them, 'Don Clarke's coming, Don Clarke's coming' and then we would keep walking and not have to sign as many autographs."

As the words to Unforgettable sounded out near the end of the day Lochore told his mate: "You have a big game ahead, but I know you can kick your way out of trouble."

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