N.Z. Replies To Press Reports

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30275, 30 October 1963, Page 18

N.Z. Replies To Press Reports

[From A. R. VEYSEY, N Z.P.A. Special Correspondent] PORTHCAWL, October 29. “I believe the offending team should pay the price for its offence. The penalty goal is worth three points,” said the All Blacks manager, Mr F. D. Kilby, today.

He was commenting on a British press campaign tor the lowering of the points value of the penalty or the increase of the try or the introduction of the differential penalty—or all of them. The campaign is based on the goal-kicking exploits of D. B. Clarke in the two matches played so far. “Every player knows whait his infringement may cost his side. It should stay that way,” said Mr Kilby. ‘This campaign is really a tremendous compliment to one man—Don Clarke.” Clarke’s Reply

Meanwhile, at training this morning, Clarke responded to the newspaper items in his own way—by kicking magnificently. On a rough, tufty field he landed goal after goal from far out and at wide angles. The newspaper reports sug-

gested that Clarke’s ability will stimulate the lawchangers. “Clarke’s feats revive the penalty controversy. The case tor modifying the law.” These were the headlines over E. W. Swanton’s article in the “Daily Telegraph.” “One thing the devastation of this supreme kicker is sure to stimulate afresh is the case for an amendment of the law regarding pointsscoring tor penalties. *Tn the view of many, Rugby Union offences would

be better categorised into those that merit a kick at goal and those properly punishable with a free kick that could not counit for pointe,” wrote Swianton. “Is It Rugby?” Headlines over Pat Marshall’s article in the “Daily Express” were "Clarke kicks the pointe—but is it really Rugby? Let the board change the laws on penalties.”

In the “Daily Mail,” Terry O’Connor dug into history and said that after only two matches Clarke, with 30

pointe, is well ahead of his target to set a record for a Rugby tourist in Britain. The record at present stands to “Carbine” Wallace of the 1905-06 All Blacks. He finished with 230 points from 23 tries. 72 conversions, three penalties, and two dropped goals (then worth tour pointe each).

Following Wallace were Mark Nicholls, in 1924-25, with 103 points; G. Gilbert, in 1935-36, with 118 points: and Ron Jarden, in 1953-54, with 73 points.