Gibson Preferred

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31088, 17 June 1966, Page 11

Gibson Preferred

(From Our Rugby Reporter) DUNEDIN. The problem of comparing the darting eccentricity of D. Watkins and the cool, assured play of C. M. H. Gibson at first five-eighths, has been resolved by the selection of Gibson for the important game on Saturday between the Lions and Otago.

After two rather unsatisfactory performances the Lions must realise that they need a good performance against Otago.

Accordingly, they have chosen their best side from the players available, with the possible exception of the hooker, F. A. L. Laidlaw. A. E. Pask (injured neck), B. Price (slight ligament strain), R. M. Young (sore back), S. J. Watkins (hamstring), were not considered.

The Scottish full-back, S. Wilson, was originally chosen for the side but withdrew when he injured a hamstring

at training in Timaru yesterday morning. The selection of Gibson and the playing of M. P. Weston at centre are the most interesting choices in the back-line. Weston’s high punts caused the Combined team some bother on Wednesday and his steadiness under pressure should make him a good partner for the more mercurial D. K. Jones. Correct Position W. J. Mcßride, finally put back at his correct place at lock, will combine with M. J. Campbell-Lamerton, and they will give some solidarity there. The fine play of J. W. Tel-

fer and R. A. Lamont on . Wednesday has given them preference over G. Prothero and D. Grant. Whether or not it is deliberate the pack includes five Irishmen: R. A. McLoughlin, Lamont, Mcßride, N. A. A. Murphy and K. W. Kennedy It might be the right proportion to produce the fire in the forwards needed by ihe Lions. Team: — D. Rutherford; D. I. Bebb, D. K. Jones, M. P. Weston, C. W. McFadyean; C. M. H Gibson, A. R. Lewis: J. W. Telfer: R. A. Lamont. N. A. A. Murphy, 11. J. Campbell-Lamerton, W. J. Mcßride; R. A. McLoughlin, K. W. Kennedy, D. Williams. “Fit And Ready’’ The Otago team completed its training last evening and left its coach, Mr E. A. Watson, satisfied with its preparation. “All members of the side are fit and ready to give the Lions a hard battle,” he said, after the team had had an extensive practice under lights. The forwards gave particular attention to line-out play, with quick support given jumpers, and to scrummaging and rucking, while the backs moved smartly in chain-pass-ing practice.