 The two consecutive series losses to South Africa made their 1956 tour of New Zealand highly anticipated . New Zealand were captained by Bob Duff and coached by Bob Stuart , and their 3 – 1 series win was their first over the Springboks and the Springboks ' first series loss that century . During the series , New Zealand introduced Don Clarke , and brought prop Kevin Skinner out of retirement to help secure the win . Skinner , a former New Zealand boxing champion , had retired from international rugby , but was convinced to return for the third and fourth tests . One reason for Skinner 's selection was to " sort out " the South African props , while Clarke become known as " The Boot " for his goal kicking . 
