Sharp’s Recall Criticised “FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31248, 21 December 1966, Page 24

Sharp’s Recall Criticised “FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY”

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON.

British Rugby writers were gloomy yesterday about the ability of the England team chosen to meet the Wallabies a t Twickenham on January 7.

The team contains five new caps and in a controversial departure from tradition, the selectors have brought back R. A. W. Sharp, who virtually retired from international Rugby in 1963.

In choosing Sharp as captain, the England selectors seemed to be relying mainly on “faith, hope and charity,”

commented the “Morning Star.”

The “Daily Sketch” writer, Philip Hodges, said: “This side will probably master Australia, but that’s about all. Wales or Scotland would crucify them.” “The Times” correspondent confined himself to remarking: “Let us hope that the chosen will justify them (the selectors) by rising above current mediocrity.” Terry O’Connor, writing in the “Daily Mail,” said Sharp arrived back home in Corn-

well last night amazed at his recall as captain of the England side and wondering whether he should arrange to play any more Rugby during his Christmas holidays. At present, he was due to play only twice. “I imagine that I will withdraw from the CornwallDevon match against the Wallabies on January 3 in view of the international selection,” he said. O'Connor said England’s selectors were obviously gambling on their ehosen side recapturing the successful

formula of 1963, when the championship was won under Sharp’s leadership. “But it seems to me they are asking too much from a player who will be on trial himself after such limited match experience this season,” O’Connor said. The five new caps are ,P. Glover, C. Jennins, R. Pickering, M. Coulman and P. Larter. A vacancy has been left at flanker. This will be filled after D. P. Rogers, who led England last season, has had a chance to prove his fitness. The team is: R. W. Hosen; Glover, C. W. McFadyean, Jennins. K. F. Savage; Sharp, Pickering; P. E. Judd, S. B. Richards, Coulman. R, M. Davis, Latter, M. R. H. Greenwood. G. A. Sherriff. one to be named.