Kiwis May Be Facing Stronger French 13

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30919, 27 November 1965, Page 17

Kiwis May Be Facing Stronger French 13

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright)

PERPIGNAN.

France takes the field as favourite to win the second Rugby League test against New Zealand at the Stade GilbertBrutus, Perpignan, on Sunday.

Having scored a convincing, 14-3, victory in the first test at Marseilles, the French selectors have brought in the brilliant 1964 centre, C. Mantoulan, the forward, M. Bescos, and the half-back, L. Faletti, to strengthen their team.

Mantoulan, who toured New Zealand in 1964, will play centre, and G. Alberti will return to full-back to replace P. Lacaze. who was injured in the first test. Local critics believe the French second test side is a

far better combination than that which was fielded at Marseilles.

Tighter Defence

However, the Kiwis are bound to tighten up their defence for this encounter. New Zealand has made two changes from the losing side, bringing in B. W. Langton on the wing and replacing R. D. Hammond in the forwards by the West Coaster, J. K. Dixon. Both will be playing their first test on tour. With two matches won since losing the first test, the Kiwis face Sunday’s game with more confidence. They scored 10 tries in those two matches and appear to have gained more penetration. The first test was fast and open, and with the ground at Perpignan rock-hard, it appears as if the second test will follow the same pattern.

The match is of utmost importance to the New Zealanders, the present official world champions, who have failed to win one of their last four test matches. The teams are:

France. —G. Alberti; G. Bruzy, J. C. Marty; .1. P. Lecompte, C. Mantoulan; R. Garnung (cap tainj); L. Falettl; J. P. Clar. G, Ailleres. H. Marracq, M. Bescos, C. Sabathies, J. Graciet.

New Zealand.—J. E. Fagan; F. R. Christian, B. W. Langton; G. M. Kennedy (captain), R. A. Tait; R. W. Bailey. R. S. .1. Irvine, W. G. Deacon; H. K. Dixon, E. Moore, R. I. Orchard. H. K. Emery, w. T. Schultz.

Channel Race.—One of the biggest fleets for a number of years is expected to compete in the Wellington-Tory Channel contest on December 17. It is expected there will be 20 starters.