Test material in island teams

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32406, 19 September 1970, Page 9

Test material in island teams

(By K. J. McMENAMIN) J.AST Saturday’s NorthSouth fixture at Nelson will not be numbered among the great inter-island Rugby matches, but the displays of at least six players should be remembered next year when New Zealand takes stock of its playing strength in preparation for the visit of the British Lions. The manner in which the game was played largely prevented any outstanding individual performances, but there was sufficient quality Rugby to suggest that the front-runners for test berths next winter might not be all members of the party which yesterday returned from South Africa.

Among the backs the strongest claims for All Black jerseys came from two players who could well be in the right positions to win them next year. The South Island fullback, L. W. Mains, has served a full apprenticeship in first-class Rugby and if W. F. McCormick’s

non-selection for the final test in South Africa signals the end of an era then Mains can' look to next season with considerable hope.

Mains might not be as attacking a full-back as modern Rugby demands, but there can be few reservations about his capabilities as a defender. Many times last Saturday he calmly took the high ball in the face of charging forwards and then sent it soaring back upfield 40 or 50 yards.

The other back to considerably enhance his standing was the North first five-eighths, A. M. Watkins, and in view of the problems which surrounded this position in South Africa a new man might well be sought next season. Watkins is a fluent mover, with a quick eye for an opening, and a fine tactical kicker. On Saturday he was the only inside back on either side who was con-

sistently able to set up constructive play for his three-quarters. The opposing centres, M. W. O’Callaghan (North) and P. C. Gard, could also feel well satisfied 'With their

efforts. O’Callaghan, an All Black in 1968 and one of the near-misses this year, was a most determined attacker and Gard looked a far more competent footballer than he did in the South Island All Black trial earlier this year. The fierce driving which was the hallmark of the display of both packs left no doubts that New Zealand has great depths of forward strength. Two former All Blacks, G. C. Williams and A. J. Kreft, gave notice that they will have to be reckoned with next season and among the younger brigade, P. J. Whiting, G. H. Dermody, and S. E. Cron would not have to improve greatly to warrant test places.