Full marks to Kiwis

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32775, 27 November 1971, Page 46

Full marks to Kiwis

(From J. O. COFFEY, N.Z.P.A. special correspondent)

BORDEAUX. French newspapers have been unrestrained in their praise of the New Zealand Rugby League team, on the eve of the third test, and the final match of the tour. But perhaps the most striking compliment was that proposed by the vicepresident of the French Rugby League, Mr Ray-

mond Forges, who described the Kiwis as the “Harlem Globe-trotters” of the code. After the second test In Carcassonne last Sunday, the national newspaper, “France-Soir,” awarded New Zealand the maximum of 10 points in its weekly sports ratings as! a tribute to the manner in which the Kiwis! achieved their 24-2 vic-i tory. Mr Forges said that this was the first occasion a Rugby league team had: topped the list since “France-Soir,” inaugurated this column six years ago. “This is certainly the best Rugby league touring team that I have seen in my 25 years as a player and administrator,” he said. “The Kiwis play in the right spirit by passing the ball around at all times, tackling well, and invariably being in position to receive possession. “It is noticeable that there are comparatively few

scrums and that the play-the-balls are completed quickly.

“The second test performance by New Zealand was the most attractive I have seen. Your boys started at full throttle and had in front of them a very gallant French side that refused to relax its efforts on defence. ‘“Some of the Kiwis told me after the match that for j 70 minutes France proved the most difficult team they had met on the whole tour. “The exhibition provided by New Zealand was extraordinary. Your boys are the Harlerp Globe-trot-ters of Rugby league. Never before have I seen such a clean and such a fast Rugby league team. “In 1951, the French tourists in Australia and New Zealand played a brand of football that was described as ‘Rugby champagne.’ Now the 1971 Kiwis have produced a very special vintage indeed.”