1971 Lions Coach Puts Emphasis On Rucking

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32314, 4 June 1970, Page 13

1971 Lions Coach Puts Emphasis On Rucking

(N.Z. PA -Reuter— Copyright)

LONDON.

The Welsh coach of the British Lions Rugby team to tour New Zealand in 1971, Mr Carwyn Jones, made it clear yesterday that he intended the players to be well drilled in rucking.

Jones, capped twice by Wales at fly-half in 1958, was yesterday named coach, with Dr Douglas Smith, a former Scottish wing, as manager. Mr Jones was unlucky not to win more than two caps. He was an understudy to Cliff Morgan in the early stages of his career and then a leg | injury prevented him advancing, his Rugby. After his retirement Mr Jones coached Llandovery• College, until two years ago, \ when he became coach to Llanelli. For some years he had been on the advisory coaching committee of the Welsh Rugby Union, and he has run coaching courses hi Ireland and Wales. College Lecturer He coached the West Wales XV that was only overcome by B. J. Lochore’s 1967 AU Blacks in the final minutes. Aged 40, he is now lecturing

iin the department of Welsh and drama at Carmarthen Training College. I Discussing his coaching theories yesterday, he said: “I place by far the greatest emphasis on getting the ball .from the rucks. The two All Black teams to visit Britain during the 1960 s showed that if the set pieces are evenly split, dominance in the rucks can tilt the balance of a match.

“A player who impressed me was their scrum half, Syd Going, who always made i the most of any winning : ruck.”

Centenary Matches

Discussing his preparations for getting the best side, Mr Jones said: “Dr Smith, against whom I played early in my career, and I will get together towards the end of the month to discuss our early plans. "We are fortunate that as next season is the Rugby union's centenary season there will be more top-class Rugby than usual, enabling us

|to get an even more thorough [look at candidates.” Dr Smith, aged 45, gained eight full caps and played in three war-time internationals. He toured Australia and New Zealand with the 1950 British Lions and also played soccer for Scottish League Club, Aberdeen.

Heavy-weight Pack He ’ has been involved in administrative work on the London Scottish committee since retiring, and took the club team to the United States two years ago. Dr Smith sees big forwards as the main requirement for the Lions.

“Heavy-weight forwards are a must, especially against the mighty All Blacks in their own country. We must not waste the abilities of the present set of backs in Britain, which we regard as one of the best crops for many years,” he said. The difficulty faced by the two officials in finding a successful side can be gauged ifrom the fact that in 12 tests in New Zealand since the war, the Lions have had one win and one draw. The team for Lions' tours is usually announced in the week-end of the Calcutta Cup match, which next season is on March 20 at Twickenham.