MEADS MAY GO HOME

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32350, 16 July 1970, Page 15

MEADS MAY GO HOME

(From T. P. McLEAN) BLOEMFONTEIN. C. E. Meads is out of the All Blacks tour for the duration. This is the inescapable inference from medical reports on the recovery possibilities of his broken left arm. It has been advised that at least eight weeks must pass before the arm is fit for use. The tour ends with he fourth test in Johannesburg on September 12. The All Blacks will seek a replacement from New Zealand, the manager (Mr R. L. Burk) confirmed yesterday morning. He said the question of whether Meads would stay with the party or go home would be decided by the player. “All medical reports indicate that he could not play again until very late in the tour. However, we think there is still at least a possibility that he could play another game,” Mr Burk said. The machinery had been set in train to get a replacement from New Zealand. “We have advised the South African Rugby Board of the situation so that we can call for a replacement and it is over to them to give their approval,” Mr Burk added. Two Southlanders, G. H. Dermody and F. J. Oliver, will come into consideration as the replacement, and there is the possibility that the young, Aucklander, P. J. Whit-. ing, might be considered i if he has shown form , since bis own broken , arm. The loss of Meads un-| doubtedly will affect the chances of the AU Blacks becoming the first New Zealand team to win a test series with the < Springboks in South < Africa. It will also cause I them to remember the < Eastern Transvaal match, - in which Meads broke his ( arm, with less than ; warmth.