McCormick May Regain Test Berth

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31377, 24 May 1967, Page 15

McCormick May Regain Test Berth

'THE Canterbury full-back, W. F. McCormick, slipped into the background a little last season when he failed to gain a place In the test team against the Lions after playing in the fourth test against South Africa in 1965.

M. W. Wllliment, with his long and accurate goal kicking, played an important part in the four wins by the All Blacks. Then as a further blow to McCormick the young Auckland player, D. Laurie, suddenly burst into prominence with some brilliant displays and, what was most important, amazingly accurate goal kicking. But already this season, McCormick has been in such brilliant form that he could well regain his test place. He played extremely well for the Barbarians against the Cantabrians and his goal kicking brought him 10 points. Then he was invited to play for the Barbarians against an Auckland President’s team. He gave an outstanding display of aggressive running and accurate goal kicking and completely overshadowed his opposite, Laurie. McCormick scored 20 points from seven conversions, a try, and a goal from a mark.

Four days later he played In a Canterbury trial and gained 18 points from two tries, two penalties and four conversions.

This new found goal kicking consistency is the most pleasing feature of McCormick's play this season. His courage, determination and aggression have never been in question but too

often he has failed as a kicker and has never really shown the ability to kick the long goals as Williment can do.

The confidence that McCormick has gained from the large number of goals he has kicked already should stand him fa good stead fa later representative matches and the trials from which the All Blacks to tour the British Isles will be chosen.