Nation goes into mourning over death of all-time footy legend Stu Wilson: 'He was the man we all wanted to be'
New Zealand footy fans are mourning following the death of former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson.
The winger - famed for his sense of humour - chalked up 34 Test appearances in a decorated career.
He also captained the Kiwis on the 1983 tour of Scotland and England.
Aussie rugby legend David Campese told Planet Rugby that Wilson - who died peacefully in his sleep - was the 'benchmark in world wing play.'
'He was the man we all wanted to be – cocky, clever, blisteringly quick and intelligent,' he said.
'As a player, Stu made rugby look easy. He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, making him a try-scoring machine.
Aussie rugby legend David Campese told Planet Rugby that Wilson was the 'benchmark in world wing play'
'I made my debut against him in 1982 in the Bledisloe in Christchurch and grabbed my first Test try against him.
'We became very great pals, playing together in invitation games. I still have his jersey from that first Test match and it's one of my most cherished possessions as he represented the standard I wanted to attain.'
One-time All Blacks team-mate Murray Mexted was stunned by the news, revealing he enjoyed a coffee with Wilson on the morning of his death.
'He was just his normal self, chirpy with a spring in his step, so it's a hell of a shock,' Mexted told RNZ.
'You never had a dull Stu Wilson.....he lived life with a smile on his face.
'We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player.'
NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Wilson will be sorely missed.
'Stu was ahead of his time in the way played what was in front of him and beat defenders in multiple ways with his footwork, speed or kick ahead,'' he said.
'His flair and joy for the game inspired a generation.'
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