“SMALL, FAST AND CLEVER”

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28514, 18 February 1958, Page 6

“SMALL, FAST AND CLEVER”

I Japanese Players’ Strengths (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, February 17. The size of the Japanese forwards to be pitted against the New Zealand team could trouble the tourists. This opinion came today from Brigadier R. S. Park, who commanded K Force. A team from the force toured Japan six years ago and was beaten once. Brigadier Park, a former New Zealand Universities representative, met team officials in Auckland this afternoon. “The forwards are likely to be so short in comparison with our fellows ; that they can get under them in the scrums and make it extremely difficult to hook the ball,” he said. The average weight of the forwards would be under list and the average height about sft 9in. Because of their lack of height they have to adapt their game j accordingly. The ball from line-outs was likely to be thrown in like a bullet to take away some of the advantages the taller opposition might have. The strongpoint of Japanese Rugby was speed and accuracy, said Brigadier Park. “Some of them,are really fast and clever and they do not need much room to work in. Once they get away, you are gone. Their passing Is nearly perfect,” he said. Refereeing was not likely to cause any upset even although, in most cases, the referee would not be Eng-