Lions learning from Welsh mistakes

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32563, 24 March 1971, Page 36

Lions learning from Welsh mistakes

(N.Z.P.A, Staff Correspondent) , LONDON. The 1969 Welsh Rugby team in New Zealand was not sufficiently dedicated to its task of matching the All Blacks, the captain of the 1971 British Isles touring team, S. J. Dawes, said yesterday.

The 30 - year . old Dawes, who was vicecaptain of the 1969 tourists, said Wales was “walloped” by the AH Blacks as a result of its attitude to the matches. “I believe we have learned our lesson and that the 1971 Lions will have the dedication to the game that the 1969 Welsh did not have,” Dawes saidHe added that the Lions certainly had the backs to run the ball and score tries, but they would need possession. ' In New Zealand, possession coiild not be won by the methods used in Britain, and the Lions Would have to go into their matches tactically prepared to win the ball from the All Blacks. “I think I learned a lot in New Zealand,” Dawes said. “Rugby is a religion there, even more so than in Wales. “I realise we have a monumental task ahead. Though Wales could not win the ball in New Zealand, I believe the Lions have the forwards to do it. We will also have much more time on this tour to settle down before the first test.” Dawes, a Middlesex schoolteacher, arrived in suburban London from Wales eight years ago, and in the last six years has.moulded London Welsh into the most entertaining and skilful club team in Britain.

Dawes has five London Welsh colleagues in the touring Lions, and another, G. Evans, in the nominated reserves. He has played 22 tests for Wales since 1964, but was a surprise omission from the Lions team which toured South Africa in 1968. He is a good speaker and a brilliant tactician.

Critics in Britain have mostly welcomed the selection of the 30 touring players, although there is some surprise thafK. W. Kennedy, the Irish hooker, has been left out, and that no place could be found for the big English win, T. Janion. David Frost, in the “Guardian,” is the most critical. Re said the team should, ~not

lack mobility, “but on paper it lacks physical presence in the scrum and flexibility behind it.” Both Frost and John Reason, in the “Daily Telegraph,” noted a lack of height at the back of the line-out, occasioned by the choices of J. Taylor, J. F. Slattery and M. L. Hipwell.