Lions’ locks impress All Black coach

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32614, 24 May 1971, Page 26

Lions’ locks impress All Black coach

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent)

AUCKLAND.

The All Black coach (Mr I. M. H. Vodanovich) predicted yesterday that the Lions would “shake down into a good side” in New Zealand. He watched the opening match against CountiesThames Valley at Pukekohe on Saturday.

He said the Lions made a lot of mistakes, “but this was their first game and they should become formidable opposition in the tests.” Mr Vodanovich was pleased that the Lions will run the ball

; in New Zealand. "They certainly showed their backs J won’t be unemployed.” ' He was also impressed by I the Lions scrummaging. “And . they also created quite a bit of good ruck ball,” he added. He singled out the locks, I W. D. Thomas and G. L. 1 Brown, for special mention

"These two tall men certainly won a lot of line-out possession,” he said. Brown is 6ft sin, Thomas 6ft 2iin.

Asked if the Lions might be more difficult to beat than he imagined before they came to New Zealand, he said: “I can’t answer that now.

"I have only seen one Lions XV in action. Thev have two XVs, and I shall have to wait till I have seen the other.” Mr T. H. Pearce, a formei All Black manager and New Zealand administrator, said the Lions would score a lot of tries in New Zealand, “if they concentrate more on running with the ball and not so much passing.”

Mr Pearce said that against Counties - Thames Valley there was no-one who would run hard for the line.