Rugby League N.Z. LOSSES IN SCRUMS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30154, 11 June 1963, Page 20

Rugby League N.Z. LOSSES IN SCRUMS

“Reason For Defeat”

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) SYDNEY. June 10.

New Zealand’s Rugby League team is in a grievous position over failure to win possession in scrums in their big tour matches. Something drastic will have to be dona to remedy this for the Kiwis to win the second and third test matches.

Inability to win a good share of the ball was the primary reason for their 7-3 defeat in the mud at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday when the Kiwis were subjected to a heavy battle in defence by the Australian forwards and backs.

It was impossible for New Zealand’s tactics to function in the firsit half. The Australian hooker, I. Walsh, won the scrums in that period 9-3. At one stage he was in front 8-1.

The New Zealanders were in a similar plight when they narrowly won their first big match of the tour, 5-2, against New South Wales, which also monopolised the scrums.

New Zealand is also greatly perturbed about the great number of penalties being given against them. The number in Saturday’s test was 19 penalties for Australia and eight for New Zealand.

They feel there is something wrong over differences in rule interpretations. This is another feature that will have to be overcome for New Zealand to win the second test in Brisbane on June 29. The Kiwis flew to Brisbane yesterday . for the Queensland section of the tour. They will play seven matches in Queensland, travelling as far north as Townsville and will fly back to Sydney on June 26.