FLANK FORWARD AS FRENCH HALF-BACK

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31750, 6 August 1968, Page 19

FLANK FORWARD AS FRENCH HALF-BACK

(From GRAEME JENKINS, N.Z P.A. staff correspondent) HAMILTON. The French flank forward, J. Salut, was offered a torrent of advice in Hamilton yesterday, at the team’s training run.

The advice, apparently on how to be a good half-back, how to put the ball in the scrum, and how to deliver it to the rest of his backs, was given on the eve of Salut’s playing at half-back for the French against Waikato at Rugby Park, Hamilton, today.

Salut has played a few club matches as a half-back, but undoubtedly he would be the first to admit that his skill in this position does not match his efforts as a flank forward. Nevertheless, he will

be the key man in the final match against a provincial team on this tour. If the French forwards can repeat their form of the last few games, Salut will have a fair amount of ball to distribute. The Waikato team is not regarded as a world-beating combination —still, it should be strong enough to give the tourists a good match. Test Places

The game today is of significance to the French because the third test team

has been chosen, except for two or three positions, and form today will be the deciding factor. J. P. Lux was so impressive against North Auckland that he must have an excellent chance of test selection. He will play at centre today, but it will be as a wing that he rates in test prospects The three who were on the wing in the first two tests, A. Compaes (twice), A. Piazza, and J. Bonal, will all play against Waikato. Strained Muscle Compaes was selected to play today when P. Besson had to withdraw because of a strained muscle. Bonal, too, was being rested, but he came into the line when C. Boujet withdrew. Bonal will be full-back. The captain of the tourists in this game will be the centre, £. Dourthe, and M. Esponda, the front-row prop, will be vice-captain. Dourthe led the team against Manawatu.

Waikato, while not without hope, will have to struggle to win. The team is known more

for its solidity than speed, and against the Frenchmen speed is essential. The goalkicking of the full-back, D. Flavell, could have a strong bearing on the score. The Waikato forwards probably have greater rucking power than the French forwards, but it seems that they will not have enough speed. Rugby Park was very slippery yesterday, and the grandstand side badly cut about. More rain Is expected and conditions are unlikely to improve. Unusual Posts

The ground’s unusual goalposts—they have advertising signs on the top—came in for comment from the Frenchmen yesterday. The signs are too high to affect any shot at goal. Seven years ago Waikato beat the French, 22-3. The strengths of the respective teams this year suggest that the score could be in reverse this time. The teams:

France: J. M. Bomal; A. Campacs, J. P. Lux, C. Dourthe (captain; A. Piazza; J. Andrieu, M. Salut, M. Bildiere; C. Chenevay, M. Lasserre, A. Plantefol, B. Dutln; J. Iracabal, J. B. Baux, M. Esponda.

Waikato: D. Flavell; W. M. Birtwistle, A. T. Johnson, G. Skudder; W. C. Bartram, G. M. Dewdney; J. J. Rodgers; I. V. Paterson (captain); J. P. McGill, J. R. Maurd, J. R. Barrett, I. K. Begbie; G. N. Bremer, E. Wright, J. T. Porima. Referee: Mr D. H. Millar (Otago).