State of the union

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31676, 11 May 1968, Page 11

State of the union

The 1967 All Black team representation in the 25 players chosen for the Australian tour has dwindled to 18 through players not being available and others missing selection. It is a high percentage but the almost ruthless drive of the selectors obviously is not going to be impeded by any sentiment. * * * Although the team has had its positions specified, it is expected that there will be some fluid-ity-in the mid-field backs and first five-eighths. Where T. N. Wolfe will fit in is not known as yet, but it is unlikely that he will play many games at first five-eighths, the position in which he was named, apparently inadvertently. W. D. Cottrell probably will be used as the second string first five-eighths and it would cause little surprise if G. S. Thorne was tried quite extensively at second fiveeighths. A shadow test team at present would be: W. F. McCormick; A G. Steel, W. L. Davis, W. Currey; G. S. Thorne, E. W. Kirton; C. R. Laidlaw; B. J. Lochore; L A. Kirkpatrick, C. E. Meads, S. G. Strahan, G. C. Williams; A E. Hopkinson, B. E. McLeod, K. F. Gray. * * • The press coverage of the Australian tour reflects the great interest in New Zealand Rugby since the magnificent play by the 1967 All Blacks. Five New Zealand journalists will be on tour, the greatest number to have travelled to Australia with an AU Black team. * * • It was odd that with aU the emphasis being placed on attacking back play, P. A. Johns gained his place In the touring team because of his superb coverdefence, and not for his attacking skills.

Club Rugby in Christchurch this season may provide one of the most interesting competitions for many years. After three rounds two sides are unbeaten—Shirley and Lincoln College—but neither could be described as outstanding teams and they are certain to be put to the test by other club teams later in the season. • * *

Linwood has lost two of its first three matches but it would be unwise to dismiss its championship chances. Unfortunately it will be without W. F. McCormick for many club games, but it always has had determination and its two defeats may be the spur which it needs. The good display by the University second fiveeighths, H. J. Joseph, in his first senior game suggests that he will bridge the gap between secondary school and senior Rugby, something that is not always achieved by many outstanding young players. An unusually mature player when at Christchurch Boys’ High School, Joseph played for the South Island secondary schools’ team last season.

W. F. McCormick, aged 29, will be the senior member of the All Black backs who average 24 years of age. The youngest player is G. S. Thorne, who is 22. Meads will be the senior "pro” In the forwards, although he wears his 32 years lightly. The youngest forward in a pack which has an average age of 26 is I. A. Kirkpatrick, who is 21. * * •

It is rather depressing that already this season there should have been reports of rough play In club Rugby. It is to be hoped that incidents in the New BrightonUnlversity A match will be the exception and not the norm for the rest of the season. * • * Whenever matches are played on outlying grounds there arises the problem of spectators encroaching on the field of play. The Rugby Union should ensure before it places senior matches on these grounds that the facilities are suitable. It is hardly fair for teams to be buffeted by spectators while another side plays on Lancaster Park, far removed from such pressures.