French Insist On Strict Ruling Of Line-out Laws

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31737, 22 July 1968, Page 20

French Insist On Strict Ruling Of Line-out Laws

(New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH. France will insist on a strict interpretation of the laws regarding the end of lineouts in its future matches. This was made clear at a press conference held in Palmerston North yesterday after the French team’s arrival for the match against Manawatu tomorrow.

The French officials held a meeting with the laws committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union in Napier yesterday morning and indicated they were happy with the outcome.

The laws committee comprised Messrs C. A. Blazey, T. C Morrison and H. B. Matthews, the chairman of the

New Zealand Referees’ Association. At yesterday’s press conference, the French officials said that they were concerned with the way in which the Hawke's Bay men at the end of the line-outs in Saturday's match were allowed freedom, and this feature was one point discussed at the meeting. In future, they will insist on a strict interpretation of the laws. Mr Blazey Tully explained the rucking laws to them, but they were “not quite happy” on that matter. Test Men Return Although the French admitted that the return of B. J. Lochore and K. F. Gray to the New Zealand team for the second test at Wellington next Saturday presented them with a “big problem,” they believed the victory gained over Hawke’s Bay had greatly improved their chances. One player unlikely to be in the French side is the forward, E. Cester, who was carried from the field on Saturday. It was thought he had broken ribs, but a doctor's report stated that he is suffering from severe bruising.

Although the injury is not as serious as first thought, Cester may not be fit for the test and this would be a blow to French hopes. The return of Lochore and Gray are the only changes in the All Black team, T. N. Lister and B. E. Muller being omitted. A. G. Steel was not considered because of injury. Leehore Scores Try Lochore made his first appearance in nine weeks for his club side on Saturday, and was instrumental in the team winning, 36-6. Apart from showing that his recent thumb injury was having no effect on his play, Lochore scored a brilliant try. His next match will be for Wairarapa against King Country in a representative match tomorrow. The New Zealand team Is:

W. F. McCormick; M. O’Callaghan, W. L. Davis, G. S. Thorne; LB. Macßae, E. W. Klrton; C. R. Laidlaw; Lochore (captain); K. R. Tremain, C. E. Meads, S. C. Strahan, I. A. Kirkpatrick; Gray, B. E. McLeod, A. E. Hopkinson. Reserves: T. McCashin, Lister, S. T. Going, W. D. Cottrell. C. Dourthe lias been named to captain the French side against Manawatu—the fifth player to lead the Frenchmen so far on the tour. The forwards will be led by the prop, J. M. Esponda. The team is: J. Andrieu; J. M Bonal, J. P. Lux, A. Piazza, Dourthe; C. Boujet, J. L. Berot; B. Dutin; J. Salut, A. Plantefol, M. Laserre, M. Billeres; Esponda, M. Yachvili, J. C. Noble.