Interpretation Of Rule Prevents Open Play

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30879, 12 October 1965, Page 23

Interpretation Of Rule Prevents Open Play

[From BRUCE MONTGOMERIE. N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.)

ILKLEY. The New Zealand Rugby League team wants to play open football during its present English tour but is not allowed to under the present interpretation of the three-yard play-the-ball rule, according to Mr W. L. O’Callaghan, co-manager of the Kiwis.

Mr O’Callaghan said that the Kiwis had tried to spin the ball at every occasion but the opposition simply tightened up the game from play-the-ball movements. “If the opposition want to play it tight that is all right

with us,” he said. “We can play it tight but we would rather play open football. “It is better to watch and better to play.” He said the chances of winning the second test were much brighter than at the same stage before the first test. “The Kiwis have won four out of their last five matches, their only loss being when they were beaten by Whitehaven during their third game in four days, and they have not had a try registered against them in their last two games. “The tourists’ form has been much beter since the first test. We had our problems the week before the first test. Bill Deacon, Graham Kennedy and Don Hammond were all doubtful starters because of injuries and this did not help the morale. Barring injuries, this time we should have our best team out. I feel our chances are much brighter.” Great Britain and New Zealand meet at Odsal Stadium, Bradford, on Saturday, October 23. The Kiwis play Lancashire on Wednesday night and a strong Rochdale team at Rochdale on Saturday in the last two games before the test. The former Great Britain test captain, Alex Murphy, the half-back, will be unavail-

able for selection in the Great Britain team for the second test. Murphy broke his nose in a club fixture and will not be fit to play.