ALL BLACKS NOT OVER-CONFIDENT

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 19

ALL BLACKS NOT OVER-CONFIDENT

Oxford Might Provide Tough Opening Game [From T. P. McLEAN, Sports Editor of the “New Zealand Herald”} OXFORD, October 22. The All Black team to play in the opening fixture of • e fi t ? u . r aga* llBl Oxford University at Iffley road tomorrow is fighting hard against complacency engendered by critical reports of the university team. Because the Oxford term does not begin until October there has been little or no time for the side to build up strength or combination. The freshman’s trial, which often produces candidates for the annual match with Cambridge, was held only a week ago.

Since then there has been time only for a couple of matches, the second of which, on Saturday, resulted in the team losing to Richmond, 22-3. On the strength of this performance most critics have decided that the All Blacks will have a cakewalk.

This is precisely the sttitude of mind the New Zealanders wish to avoid.

Events of She last two seasons in New Zeeland, particularly the defeats of the North Island in the last two matches with South ait Christchurch. have shown the dangers of over-confidence. Moreover, senior members of the party are well aware ‘ that the three weeks since the All Blacks last played have been filled with social entertainments, and in many eases hefty meals. Team’s Fitness

They realise only too well that these impediment to full fine® could have a prejudicial effect on the team’s performance in tthe last quarter of the game. It is a disturbing fact, too. which apperentlty has been overlooked by critics, that the Oxford team of last season although no better served than now in the way of old Blues, lost only one game on the way to the university ■ match and defeated on the

way none other than Cardiff. Three critics of Saturday's performance mostly commented on the weakness of the Oxford scrum, particularly the front row In fact, the pack averages about 141 stone—a respectable size even by All Black standards. Two Fast Backs The back-line includes D. K. Jones, who has played for Wales and the British Lions in South Africa. Jones is extremely fast and resourceful and the fly-half. R. H. Lamb, is reputedly just about as fast. It is in>ierest>ing that the team fields at full-back a New Zealander from Palmerston North. J T. Reid. He appears to have been influenced in his Rugby by the Rector of Massey University (Dr. Alan Stewart), who is warmly remembered at Oxford for tvs play against Cambridge after the war. The Oxford pack includes a South African lock. D. C. Jones, who s ands 6ft 3in and weighs 16 stone. His partner. F. J R. Craig, is little smaller. It is to be expected that

Oxford, in spite of lack of match play, will have tihe All Blacks scrambling a bit; they may even turn out to be a gifted side. Two Below Par The sad news on the All Blnck front is that A. J Stewart and K. C. Briscoe are a little below par. Stewart has an infected tooth and Briscoe a festering wound on the elbow from a fall during the practice at Hong Kong last week. It may be necessary to replace Stewart for the match, but it is hardly likely that Briscoe will need to stand down. The glad news about the team is that the early practices have been very promising. The use of the long line-out of the Auckland Ranfurly Shield team style has promoted switch plays for the backs: D. B. Clarke has been kicking at goal pretty accurately; and the forwards, spurred on by the coach. Mr N. J. McPhail, and the captain, W J. Whineray. have been moving to the checked ball most effectively. Skill and Purpose

One of the leading British critics, Terry O’Connor, of the “Daily Mail.” on Monday was delighted with the skill and purpose of the training runs which he contrasted with the amateur methods of the Lions with whom he travelled in

South Africa last year. If the team’s fitness stands the test of the unusual atmosphere and the strain and tension always associated with the opening match, the All Blacks ought to come off with a good win. Almost certainly the team will be well prepared to avoid a smug approach and that should make the prospects of a good start the more certain.