Wales Does Not Want Battle Of Forwards

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31994, 22 May 1969, Page 13

Wales Does Not Want Battle Of Forwards

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent)

The Welsh Rugby coach, Mr C. Rowlands, made it clear yesterday that he does not want the team’s games in New Zealand to develop into battles of the forwards.

. “We must get the ball away from this scrum power they have got,” he said in an interview before the team left London for New Zealand.

“I don’t see why we won’t, get enough possession from our forwards. If they are going forward they’re all right, and if they begin to go backwards they’ll just have to Mart again.

“We’ll do in New Zealand What we have done all this last season—play attacking Rugby."

Mr Rowlands said he felt the.team was stronger than that which toured South Africa in 1963 and lost the final test, 30-3. ■ “I don’t think you’ll see any repetition of that. I hope we will come home with a few New Zealand scalps on our belts.”

The captain, B. E. V. Price said he did not think play in New Zealand would be any more rugged than in Wales. “We can’t mix it and still get the possession which we want to get for our backs,” he added. Win More Than Lose The manager, Mr H. Rogers, said he was confident the team would win more than it would lose. No curfew would be imposed on players. “This team is far more dedicated than any other that has gone abroad from here. The discipline and punctuality is good—they just want to play Rugby," he said. “It is probable we will keen the half-backs, Gareth Edwards and Barry John, out of the first match, along with a few others, and play them in the first test. As long as we have a good pack out against Taranaki, I feel we will do well.

“The New Zealand referee-

ing flees not worry me unduly as the .Welsh players this season have been doing the things that New Zealand interpretations require, such as rolling away from the ball in tackle. We do not intend asking a New Zealand referee to address us but if the offer Is made we will be glad for him to talk to us. “We feel the teams we have to play and the referees will be at their best. If we, have any complaints about the conduct of the matches we will make them privately to the New Zealand Rugby Union.”

Wales, which won the 196869 international championship, has prepared very hard for this tour, said Mr Rogers. “We are going to New Zealand to play Rugby; it will not be a holiday.”