Few Changes Likely In All Blacks

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31724, 6 July 1968, Page 15

Few Changes Likely In All Blacks

(By J. K. BROOKS) The closeness of the first test to the start of the French tour does not give the New Zealand Rugby selectors (Messrs F. R. Allen, V. L. George and I. M. H. Vodanovich) much chance to assess the strength of the Tricolours’ challenge before announcing their All Black side this evening.

It is likely, therefore, that they will retain most of the XV which won the recent series against Australia—at least for the first test, which will be played at Lancaster Park next Saturday. The only probable change in the pack is the return of K. R. Tremain to the side of the scrum, in place of G. C. Williams. After Marlborough’s victory against the French team there will be some support for A. R. Sutherland. but it seems that I. A. Kirkpatrick and T. N. Lister wilt hold their places. In the backs, the chief point of interest will be the choice of wings. G. S. Thome will probably hold the rightwing berth against the challenging specialists, but A. G. Steel will need a convincing performance against Wellington today to cement his claims as the left-wing. The other wings on the recent tour, M. O. Knight and W. D. R. Currey, seem to be beyond the pale, but an outsider with a chance is M. W. OCallaghan. a Massey College student from North Canterbury. He made a good impression in the All Black trials earlier this season, and confirmed this with his enterprising play in subsequent;

matches against All-Japan. The Australian tactics in the recent test series might persuade the selectors to use I. R. Macßae in midfield. Big and strong, his ability in driving forward an extra yard in the tackle could give the All Black forwards the chance of winning quick rucks to initiate swift secondary movements. Macßae’s inclusion would probably be at the expense of W. D. Cottrell, which would be a pity, for he is a most useful footballer, especially in broken play. A possible team is:— W. F. McCormick: Thorne, W. L. Davis, O’Callaghan, Macßae, E. W. Kirton: C. R. Laidlaw; I. A. Kirkpatrick; Lister, C. E. Meads, S. C. Strahan, Tremain; K. F. Gray, B. E. McLeod, A. E. Hopkinson. Reserves: Steel, S. M. Going; Sutherland, T. N. McCashin. The choice of captain is another interesting point in the selection. Laidlaw was not wholly successful in B. J. Lochore's absence in the second test against Australia, and one of the pack’s strong men, Tremain, Meads or Gray might gain the honour.