LAIDLAW IN HOSPITAL

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32392, 3 September 1970, Page 9

LAIDLAW IN HOSPITAL

(From EARLE READ, N.Z.P.A. staff correspondent)

ALIWAL NORTH.

C. R. Laidlaw was taken to hospital yesterday with suspected appendicitis and the All Blacks seem certain to have only one half-back for the remainder of the tour.

Laidlaw was placed under sedation suffering severe stomach pains and vomiting.

running a temperature and the doctor had said that “everything points to it being appendicitis.” The decision on whether Laidlaw will have an operation will be made tonight, Mr Burk added.

The manager (Mr R. L. Burk) said after visiting Laidlaw: “It seems certain it is appendicitis. The doctor will see him again at noon and if an operation is needed it will either be done here or Johannesburg. “We would like to fly him to Johannesburg if it is possible.” Mr Burk said the All Blacks although down only to S. M. Going as a specialist halfback, would not seek a replacement from New Zealand. “It is a bit late in the tour to think about a replacement," he added. Mr Burk said Laidlaw was

After Laidlaw entered hospital, the All Blacks held some hopes that it was no more than food poisoning. With only 12 days until the last game of the tour, Laidlaw is certain not to play il he has an operation. It will put a heavy burden on Going because the last eight days are the most gruelling of the tour, with matches against Northern Transvaal, the Gazelles, and South Africa.

If Going were injured the All Blacks would be severely embarrassed in their attempt to square the test series in Johannesburg on Saturday week.