Improved Forward Play On League Tour

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

Improved Forward Play On League Tour

ALTHOUGH it was beaten by 23 pointe the Canterbury Rugby League team was far from disgraced in its match against Auckland at Carlaw Park last Saturday. The fact that the Kiwistudded Auckland XIII could pierce Canterbury’s ranks only five times in 80 minutes says much for the stubbornness and perseverance of the Canterbury defence. Canterbury’s attack was hindered by the slippery conditions, constant rain and a greasy ball. The forwards played better than in previous matches and the ball seldom died with the second dummy-half. G. H. Turner played his best game of the season and his example, and that of the captain, J. A. Flanagan, did much to lift the standard of forward play. Three Canterbury players were particularly impressive on defence. P. J. Tongue, at full-back, came through with honours and against both Auckland and Waikato he raced across to push opposing three-quarters into touch short of the line. J. L. White earned a place in the New Zealand trial today by his low tackling and covering of his backs. But one player stood out in both games—the plucky little scrum-half, R. S. J. Irvine, who, on successive days, held his own with the

regular Kiwi, W. L. Snowden, and completely outplayed the former Kiwi, G. S. Farrar. It takes courage to lower the biggest forwards but the diminutive Irvine has courage to burn.

As well as being the outstanding defender, Irvine also provided the highlight of the tour and of the representative season. With 20 minutes to go in the Waikato match Canterbury, trailing 7-9, looked well beaten. Then the ball came to Irvine deep inside his own half. The Waikato cover-defence seemed to have him covered. But a deft change of

pace and direction brought Irvine up to the young fullback, J. Rutene, whom he beat cleanly with a swerve. The rest of the defence was outsprinted on the way to the posts. Canterbury’s victory over Waikato was a fine effort for Flanagan was able to urge his players on to greater deeds when the match seemed to be lost. Canterbury fought back well and the players, who were affected by the warmer climate, came from the field exhausted. Because of the Rothmans tournament Canterbury and Auckland could well meet again this season. The tournament has now progressed almost to the semi-finals. The northern semi-final will be between Wellington and

Auckland and the southern one will probably be between Canterbury and Wellington. The latter’s effort in winning both quadrangular tournaments has emphasised the code's progress in Wellington.

The only unfortunate aspect of the northern tour was the weather. Attendances at both matches suffered because of it, and also because the Auckland match was televised.