Almanack's Cavalier Treatment Of D. J. Graham Unwarranted

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30769, 5 June 1965, Page 11

Almanack's Cavalier Treatment Of D. J. Graham Unwarranted

'THE ostrich-like attitude adopted by the editors of the Rugby Almanack of New Zealand towards last year’s All Black captain, D. J. Graham, is hard to understand when it is considered that Graham has played in every test for New Zealand since 1961 and has now played in 22 tests for the All Blacks.

In this year’s edition of the Almanack, Graham has not been selected for the Almanack XV. It is not a new experience for him. For the editors have been quite consistent, having chosen Graham for their XV in 1961 onlv and as an emergency in 1960.

The editors say of Graham in 1964 "... we cannot understand the preference shown for Graham, whose approach appears to be so often purely a defensive one.”

However, In 1961 he was described as a “worthy choice being versatile and tireless.” In 1958 he was “eager, fast and intelligent.” But in the years in between he has received no praise.

The editors of the Almanack are noted for their independent approach but it may be wondered if their other selections and predictions can have much value when they are prepared to consistently overlook Graham.

After all, since 1961 New Zealand has lost only one test match out of 22 played. As Graham was considered by the New Zealand selec-

tors to be good enough to play in those matches when New Zealand Rugby has such a good record perhaps it is the editors who are out of step, not Graham or the All Black selectors. The Almanack editors have consistently described Graham as being too defensive Surely they must

appreciate that some-one in the loose forwards has to tackle and cover defend. Not every forward can keep going forward and take part in passing rushes. Obviously at times a team has to defend and a player should not be condemned because he is allotted the task of doing defensive work.

The editors surely would be critical if an All Black team went on to the field without any plan of cover defence and all the forwards were told to chase ahead

and not worry about moving back on defence. Graham in recent years has fulfilled a specialist place in New Zealand Rugby. When the editors praise K. R. Tremain and W. J. Nathan they might remember that they can shine because they have a partner, completely complementary to their play, who is doing the unattractive work of cover defence and tidying up near the scrum.