TACTICAL RUGBY

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31000, 4 March 1966, Page 6

TACTICAL RUGBY

England To Modernise (Speetal Crspdi- N.z pa j LONDON.' In a bid to modernise its Slay, tlie English Rugby nion has issued a comprehensive coaching scheme after five years of study. The cost of the scheme Is estimated to be about £13.000. Six of the pamphlets have been issued and others will follow at intervals as they are completed. The first, called Attitude and Fundamentals,” is probably the most interesting. It accepts that among reasons for England not fulfilling its true potential at international level, are: “We are too good losers, do not appreciate progress, shy of new ideas, have become conventional, have no basic dogma, lack intensity of approach.” Basic fundamentals listed as the “Seven P.s” are—psychology, physique, picking, position, possession, passing and pace. Other pamphlets cover “unit skills” (forwards and backs), “team skills," "diagnosis of mauls,” "organisation of practise sessions,” and “the laws.” Other pamphlets will cover “individual skills," "advanced subjects,” "selection and captaincy,” and "aids to coaching.”

Hard-Hit Athletes

(N.Z. Press Association! WHANGAREI. High hopes held by Northland for national titles at the New Zealand athletics championships in Christchurch this week-end have been dashed by a chest complaint, a rash of boils and a sprained ankle. I. Babe, the second fastest steeplechaser in New Zealand’s history, with a time of Bmin 53.1 sec, has the chest complaint and will probably not compete. J. Fairburn, runner-up in the national 440 yards last year, has boils, while the long jump title-holder, R. Thomas, has a sprained ankle. Thomas will not compete.

Royal Society Officers

Officers elected at the annual meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand were:— President, Dr. W. M. Platts; vice-presidents, Dr. R. M. Allison and Professor R. H. M. Langer; secretary, Mr E. R. Mangin; treasurer, Mr C. H. Labatt; librarian, Mr J. E. C. Shearer; council, Messrs C. W. Collins, D. Gregg, J. T. Holloway, A. C. Stanbury, Professor G. A. Knox and Dr. Lucy Moore; chairman of mathematics and physics section, Mr G. A. M. King; representative on the member bodies’ committee of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Professor M. Gage.