I just found out one of the greats who came to New Zealand in 1969 passed away recently in South Africa. Willem Hall was a real talented wrestler, didn't stand any nonsense and was one of the South African greats.
He had great matches here with John DaSilva and also they had great matches all over Europe. Willem was well known in Europe as probably the best heavyweight to come out or South Africa.
I was in Europe when Willem Hall came here in 1969 but I caught up with him in UK. He was definitely all class with very little showmanship. John DaSilva brought him here in 1969 when he was promoting. In his day he wore a mask in South Africa and was known as Mr X. He was undefeated in the hood. However he didn't need a mask, he was far too good a wrestler to cover his face.
In England he topped the bill at the Royal Albert Hall. He was also a talented rugby star and played against the All Blacks. He also made the Springbok trials and narrowly missed selection for South Africa.
In South Africa he was known as Percy Hall but worldwide he was known as Willem Hall.
Picture Puzzle of the Week
What's this… faces in the night?
No, it is South Africa heavyweight champion wrestler Willem Hall (top) and Scotland's John Scott locked in a hold during a training session for bouts in His Majesty's Theatre last night.
Hall beat New Zealand champion John DaSilva two falls to one, but Scott was disqualified for punching his opponent.
But yesterday's workout for Hall brought back memories of another sport in which he excelled – Rugby.
In 1960, he opposed North Auckland's renowned flanker Peter Jones in a bruising 6-6 draw for Natal against Wilson Whineray's All Blacks.
Hall recalls that All Black pack as being "especially solid." He also has a clear memory of Colin Meads rampaging about.
Of the game itself: "It was a pretty tough affair." Three players were injured – two on the New Zealand side and one on Natal's.
At the end of the All Blacks tour the New Zealanders won 20, drew 2 and lost 4 games – Hall played for Natal against the Springboks' Barbarians XV, Natal winning 28-11.
Other than rugby, wrestling has been Hall's main love. He started in the sport at 12 years of age and was national champion or runner-up at all grades until he turned professional in 1954.
