Rugby DESTRUCTIVE PLAY IN N.Z.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29336, 15 October 1960, Page 7

Rugby DESTRUCTIVE PLAY IN N.Z.

Reports Of N.S.W. Country Officials (NX. Preu Atooctottow—Copyright) SYDNEY, October 14. References to New Zealand's trend to “deetructiva” Rugby are mad* in th* report of the manager* ot th* New South Wales Country Rugby team which toured ths South Island last winter. Th* asristant manager and coach M th* team (Mr T. MacBride) said: “Forearmed with knowledge that New Zeeland was in the throes of a trend to play destructive football designed to negate all attempts to ptay the fast, open attacking game, a framework or *pettern of play* was laid down to the New South Wale* team immediately upon its arrival in New Zealand.” Mr Macßride said the pattern of play Involved a number of factors, but mainly ability to turn lost possesion into tactical advantage in open play. He said th* New South Wale* Country player* became brilliantly adept at exploiting the loose ball. Die team manager (Mr W. R. McManis) said the tour was most successful. Attendance* were good ■nd the team was well received by the public and officials. “Many New Zealand people are unhappy about the trend in their Rugby towards close play, and our generally open style won popular appeal," he said.