All Blacks Favoured For Clean Sweep

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31161, 10 September 1966, Page 17

All Blacks Favoured For Clean Sweep

(From I. J. D. HALL)

AUCKLAND. Poised to win a test rubber, 4*o, for the first time, the All Blacks again will start favourites in the fourth test at Eden Park today, even though rain has softened the ground which will be of some assistance to the Lions.

If the field is even moderately good this could be a great test match.

The Lions, if not quite in desperation, are determined to use their backs at every opportunity.

The Ail Blacks, smarting slightly at criticism that they do not use their backs enough and also that their backs are not as brilliant as those of the Lions, are determined to prove the critics are wrong. STRONGER FORCE Because the Lions backs have looked so dangerous in the last two tests they and the All Black forwards must be considered the vital factors in this match.

But it is felt that the efficiency of the All Blacks, both backs and forwards, will be a stronger force than the wayward genius of the Lions backs who, even after 24 games, still cannot ,be relied on to eliminate fundamental handling and passing errors. The tactics of the All Blacks are expected to be the mixture as before: strong driving and rucking from the pack and an emphasis on advantage-line Rugby from the backs, with Macßae and the wing, Dick, being used as the battering rams in midfield.

Gibson is the key man of the Lions back-line. In recent matches he has been in superb form and, if he and D. Watkins can combine effectively, the All Black defence could be stretched almost to breaking point. CRUEL BLOW TO LIONS Much of the effectiveness of the AU Black forwards could be reduced if Tremain, Lochore and Nathan have to pound across field on defence.

But it is still felt that the Lions will not get enough possession. The injury to W. D. Thomas was a cruel blow, and although B. Price has come back into form, it is unlikely that he and Mcßride will match the Meads brothers in the line-outs.

Also, in the rucking the All Blacks should be too powerful and cohesive for the Lions, who still approach rucks rather diffidently. After two sluggish games. Laidlaw will be out to show that his form is only a passing phase. He will be very important to the New Zealand back-line, for Herewini can become upset quickly. If he and Laidlaw do not combine well, the Lions loose forwards—Lamont, Pask and Telfer—could become very dangerous. SHOW THEIR WORTH

This is a most important match to the Lions. Many of them feel, with their captain, M. J. Campbell-Lamerton, that they have not provided New Zealand with the Rugby its strength deserves. They will be dedicated to winning, and winning by passing and running with the ball to show the New Zealand public that they are truly an international team.

It is hoped that they finally produce the Rugby which has been expected from them for three months. The test matches have been played in a very fine spirit and today’s game should not

be an exception. However, some of the All Black forwards were very upset with the nasty late tackle of Herewini by Lamont in the third test, which went unpenalised. Herewini was slightly concussed by the tackle, and as Lamont did the same thing to him in the second test, one or two of the old hands in the All Black pack may take it upon themselves to point out to Lamont the error of his ways if he tries to get Herewini again.