TEAMS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31114, 18 July 1966, Page 3

TEAMS

NEW ZEALAND: M. Williment; A. C. Steel, R. E. Rangi, I. $. T. Smith; I. R. Macßae, M. A. Herewini; C. R. Laidlaw; B. J. Lochore (captain); K. R. Tremain, C. E. Meads, S. T. Meade, W. J. Nathan; K. F. Cray, B. E. McLeod, E. J. Hazlett. BRITISH ISLES: S. Wilson; C. W. McFadyean, D. K. Jones, C. M. H. Cibson, D. I. Bebb; D. Watkins, R. M. Young; A. E. I. Pask; R. A. Lamont, M. J. CampbellLamerton (captain), B. Price, J. W. Teller; D. Williams, K. W. Kennedy, C. H. Norris.

A try was inerttable as Wilson faced five forwards, but they were called back because C. Meads had just put his foot over the side-line 20 yards back. Tried Hard The Lions tried very hard but they lacked the cohesion, speed and strength of the All Black pack. Their line-out play seemed inefficient in comparison and what possession was gained came from untidy tapping-back which proved an embarrassment to the backs. One could not remember the Hons winning a ruck and that simply was because they just did not have the speed to the loose ball.

Because of this lack of possession, the Lions backs had few chances, but even when they did get the ball they were not very impressive. The faults that have been apparent throughout the tourhasty, ill-directed passing and bad again in evidence. The brilliance of Watkins, Jones and Gibson flickered very fitfully indeed.. Backs Impress Admittedly, the All Black backs were in a comfortable position with the forwards playing so well but they still looked extremely good. The chairman of the All Black selection panel (Mr F. R. Allen) had said the team would spin the ball and this they did. The strong-running Macßae brought a new dimension to the All Blacks’ mid-field play and it was heartening to see such positive and entertaining Rugby from the New Zealand back-line.

Perhaps Herewini kicked on some occasions when he should have passed, but it was delightful to see Laidlaw’s long curling passes flicked on to Macßae by Herewini, and then Macßae trying to break through in the centre or Rangi ploughing through the Lions’ defence. Any doubts that the new captain, Lochore, might not get full response from his veteran campaigners were dispelled immediately. He led the side well and they fallowed.

C. Meads, bigger, faster and stronger than before it seems, had one of his best games for New Zealand. He and his brother Stan for one period of eight minutes almost played the Lions by themselves as they crashed through line-outs and took part in passing rushes so harmoniously that they might have been in tandem.