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The All Blacks began their defence of the William Webb Ellis Trophy...by beating England at Twickenham by 18-12.

Buller, Wellington, and Scotland
2 internationals for New Zealand 1921
8 internationals for Scotland 1924–29

One of a number of players to have played for more than one country, Aitken came from Buller in New Zealand’s South Island. He made his first-class debut as a teenager before the outbreak of World War I and resumed his career after the war.

Aitken’s debut for New Zealand in 1921 was in the first test against South Africa – the first game between the two countries.

Two years later Aitken, having been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, was in England studying at Oxford University. After becoming an Oxford rugby blue he won his first cap for Scotland in 1924. (He had Scottish parents.)

George Aitken was a centre of considerable speed and talent. He is perhaps best remembered in the rugby world as part of a very fast and dangerous Oxford University three-quarter line, all of whom joined him in the Scottish international team at various times.

The TV satellite had broken down and the Japan team management asked the referee to delay kickoff until the 'live pictures were through' to Japanese viewers.