Credit Given N.Z. Forwards

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31755, 12 August 1968, Page 22

Credit Given N.Z. Forwards

(New Zealand Press Association! AUCKLAND. The tour had confirmed for the French the great strength of the New Zealand forward game, especially in rucking, the team manager, Mr J. C. Bourrier. said at a final press conference before the French Rugby team left for Australia vesterday.

"The real art they taught us was how to fall the right way when tackled to allow fellow team members to retain possession,” he said.

Of the tour generally, Mr Bourrier said he was certain his players had thoroughly enjoyed it “We have been given a wonderful welcome by the people of New Zealand and have been shown great hospitality." The great lesson above all the team had learned was the value of team spirit, said the coach and assistant manager, Mr A. Garrigue. “For a start, some of the forwards did not always think of the team effort—they were a bit selfish in their outlook. Now the team has great

spirit. It is not yet sufficient but it is there and growing," he said.

Too often French forwards wanted to get the ball in their hands but were not bothered about first winning it, Mr Garrigue said. He had the highest regard for the New Zealand conception of forward play and the way in which the All Blacks moved as a unit There was some criticism, however, of the New Zealand back-play. Mr Garrigue said the main fault appeared to be a slowness in passing and for players to go too far with the ball before sending it#n. It was not possible to fend off an opponent and pass at the same time, which some New Zealand backs tried to do. France will play Queensland at Brisbane on Wednesday and a test with Australia at Sydney next Saturday.