CONTINUAL STRUGGLE

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31144, 22 August 1966, Page 3

CONTINUAL STRUGGLE

The Canterbury forwards never stopped trying, but when they lost control of the lineouts just before halftime, the vital period of the match began. Their rucking was not quite as clean and decisive as anticipated, although they did have to contend with smothering tactics by Auckland. Cornelius was an excellent line-out forward and he. Wyllie and Penrose effectively cancelled out Fell, Nathan and Cullimore at the end of the line-out. But in the loose the Auckland trio was just a little sharper and put more pressure on Watt than Canterbury did on Herewini. Good Moments Francis and Banks had some good moments in the line-outs and won more possession than Nelson and Lindesay. The props, Tanner and Hopkinson, battered away in the tight, but never really managed to wedge through the line-out to start the driving rushes. Hopkinson made one fine break after Pirie had burst away from the front of the line-out but. like some of the other attacks, the movement petered out from lack

of support. Pirie played ex- < ceptionally well as hooker and was most lively in the loose.

Playing at lock, Nelson continued his fine form of recent games. As well as being a force in the line-outs, he was most efficient in the loose. Fell playing his 100th game for Auckland roamed in the loose to some purpose, and Cullimore and Nathan, although embroiled in the tight play, did some good work in the swirling loose. O'Shannessey was a vigorous loose forward and his two props. Jones and Webb, toiled inconspicuously. Any doubts Auckland supporters had about the ability of Davis at half-back must have been settled after his display. His passing was quick and long and he directed play most capably. Watt was not quite the dominant figure for whom Canterbury might have hoped. His play was neat, but lacked the authority he has shown in recent matches. Cottrell and Hatchwell were never prominept on attack, but both stood up well to heavy tackling. The wings. Arnold and Steel, were disappointing. It was part of Canterbury's plan to use Steel's speed and Arnold’s resourcefulness as much

as possible, but neither play

er had a particularly happy day. McCormick was not the authoritative player of earlier in the season. Thirteen minutes after the start he was laid out by a deadly tackle by Rangi. McCormick had caught the ball and, seeing Rangi hurtling at him. hunched himself low to the ground. Rangi just kept boring in. After the tackle McCormick cleared for touch, but almost as a reflex action, for he immediately sank to the ground and for the rest of the match seemed to be labouring. His line-kicking was sound enough and he goaled twice from four attempts, but although Wyllie did kick a penalty at his first attempt it seemed strange that McCormick was not given the next one, which was closer to the posts. Faultless Play On the day, McCormick was outshone by the young Laurie, whose play could not be faulted. Patterson and McKay were dangerous attacking wings for Auckland and Rangi completed a formidable threequarter line. Rangi was expected to tackle hard and run straight, but it was his speed that surprised. Once he ran I up and shoved Hatchwell into the ground and then ran across field and caught Steel, who had been given the ball, from behind. Herewini made his share of mistakes, kicking when a pass would have been more useful, but his snap kicking and covering meant much to Auckland, particularly when Meek’s passing was uncertain.