LEAGUE TOURISTS TO BE NAMED TODAY Second-row forwards pose a problem for N.Z. selectors

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32679, 7 August 1971, Page 14

LEAGUE TOURISTS TO BE NAMED TODAY Second-row forwards pose a problem for N.Z. selectors

(By

J. O. COFFEY)

It is an indication of the strength and depth of New Zealand Rugby league second-row forward play that all eight trialists who will appear in these positions at Auckland this afternoon must be conceded a reasonable chance of selection for the team to tour Britain and France. This promises to be the most problematical section for the national panel (Messrs D. L. Blanchard, D. A. Barchard and T. H. Hardwick) to decide upon. The football talents of the second-row contenders are extensive, if varied. A. P. Kriletich (Auckland), who has appeared in 14 consecutive tests, and G. M. J. Smith (Wellington), on' the evidence of his performance against Australia in June, are popular and logical choices. But there is little between their rivals, W. G. Deacon (Waikato), J. D. Hibbs (West Coast), M. Eade (Auckland), E. N. Kereopa (Midlands), R. Williams (Auckland) and W. P. Southern (Taranaki). The experience of Deacon and the potential of Eade would perhaps make the most successful blending. However, Hibbs has an outstanding record of consistency, a valuable asset on a longish tour, Kereopa was a success at the last World Cup in England, Williams impressed in muddy conditions for his province against the Kangaroos, and Southom has played an important role in Taranaki's improvement since his transfer to the pack. Another factor that might influence the selection would be the consideration of the World Cup props, D. J. Gailey (Auckland) and J. Greengrass (Canterbury), as second-row candidates possibly with the intention of including J. H. Fisher (Canterbury) as a utility forward able to fill in at hooker if required. However, in W. J. E. Burgoyne and G. Woolsey there are two seasoned specialist hookers who have shared this responsibility for Auckland this season. If Fisher toured, it would mean leaving behind a more highly-rated prop just on the off-chance that Burgoyne and Woolsey might be injured at the

same time. In this day of fast air travel, a replacement Is but a short time away. The Auckland and New Zealand props, R. I. Orchard and H. Tatana, assured themselves of being among the 26 named with very strong displays in the recent Australian test. Gailey and Greengrass retain the front running, over D. Mann (Auckland) and R. Paul (Wellington), to complete the front row contingent. E. Heatley (Auckland), although unable to play for Northern Zone today because of injury, will be and siiffffAßtinn.Q that the

one loose forward, and R. S. Walker (Canterbury) is the likely under-study. The promising A. P. Coll (West Coast) has an outside chance of gaining preference over Walker, but he is certain of only half a game in the early trial. The versatility of a number of leading candidates,

team might not follow the orthodox pattern of two players to each position, has complicated thp backline selections. Six of the Auckland trialists, M. McClennan, F. R. Christian, R. C. McGuinn, J. O’Sullivan, L. N. Graham and P. Matete, are capable of aitematina between full-

back and the three-quarters. McClennan, following an extremely pleasing test debut, has now become accepted as an extremely useful full-back with a positive approach to his duties. Graham, making a late bid after dropping from sight to some extent since his return from the World Cup, might well be his partner, and the goal-kicker when Tatana is being rested.

Consideration of the wings should be brief, especially now that the fifth-ranked player, E. Wulf, has been removed from contention by a leg injury. M. P. Brereton (Canterbury), P. C. Orchard (Bay of Plenty), J. A. Whittaker

(Wellington) and McGuinn have earned their places.

Unless W. K. Johnsen (West Coast) upsets expectations in the inter-zone fixture, the traditional Auckland dominance of the centres will continue. Christian, who should retain the Kiwi captaincy in spite of his regular failure to convince his own provincial panel, and B. R. Lowther must be the top choices.

The other centres are a little more obscure, with F. G. Schuster (Auckland) and D. A. Williams (Auckland) being regarded as stand-off halves in some quarters. But they are favoured to join Christian and Lowther, at the expense of O’Sullivan and Jonnsen.

It seems probable that G. R. Cooksley (Canterbury) will provide the answer io the panel’s quest for a utility halfback, touring in partnership with G. J, Woollard (Auckland) at stand-off and being able to substitute at scrumhalf when circumstances warrant such a move. Alternatively, a poor performance by Cooksley today might lead to D. Sorenson (Auckland) emulating his older brother, Bill, by winning New Zealand honours.

k. Stirling (Auckland) has left all opposition far , behind in his remarkable rise from comparative ' obscurity this year and leaves scrum-half conjee- 4 ture centred on the two claimants for the second position, S. Dowsett (Auckland) and P. R.H. Brown (Canterbury). The promotion of Brown to the Southern Zone XIII might well have diminished his prospects. No longer is he in direct opposition to , Dowsett. Instead, he must , match wits against Stirling while Dowsett is left to his own devices in the curtainraiser.

It is a moot point that Dowsett was regarded as Auckland’s best scrum-half a few months ago. When he was not able to take part in the provincial trials. Stirling became his replacement and grasped his chance eagerly. The other Canterbury trislist, M. W. J. O’DonMll, has the odds stacked against him but the selector, will bo fufiy aware that he is capable of appearing at full-back, stand-off half or in the three-quartan. Openings for a young player in these positions, however, are scarce. The team might be:— Full-backs: Graham, McClennan; wings: Brereton, McGuinn, T. C. Orchard, Whittaker; centres: Christian (captain), Lowther, Schuster, Williams; stand-off halves: Cooksley, Woollard; scrum-halves: Dowsett Stirling; props: GSteyTGreengrew. R? I. Orchard, Tktana; hookers: Burgoyne, Woolsey; secondrow. Deacon, Eade, Kriletich (vice - captain). Smith; loose forwards: Heatley, Walker.