Kiwis savour sweet smell of success

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32778, 1 December 1971, Page 14

Kiwis savour sweet smell of success

(From N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent,

J. O. COFFEY

A sporting tour is inevitably judged on the results of test matches, and on this basis the 1971 Kiwis must be regarded as the most successful New Zealand Rugby league team to travel overseas.

The first statement made by the comanager, Mr W. O’Callaghan, after the players left Auckland just over three months ago confirmed that victory in the tests was the primary aim of the team. In beating Britain and France, the Kiwis have accomplished their objective. The New Zealanders won the first two internationals in Britain and almost gained a clean sweep of the three tests in France. There were mitigating circumstances in their defeat at Leeds—three key players were out because of injuries, and it was not possible to recapture the atmosphere of tension that had prevailed before the first two tests. But Britain was a deserving winner.

It is unlikely that any previous side had the determination and fighting spirit that the Kiwis displayed in. their triumphs over Britain. At Salford, in the first test, they trailed 0-8 before winning, 18-13, and at Castleford the deficit was 0-11 and the result 17-14. These revivals were quitp remarkable. On each occasion they were started by the 18-year-old D. A. Williams, and his attacking flair quickly spread to his team-mates. The dramatic final 10 minutes of the second inter-

national was the climax to a memorable victory. New Zealand was two points behind when P. C. Orchard made his run down .the right flapk, evading the attempted tackles of three opponents, although he was never more than 12in from the- touchline. Moments later, the elation in the Kiwis’ camp was stilled as Britain’s replacement wing, W. Benyon, dived for the New Zealand line. But just as determined was the Kiwi loose forward, A. P. Kriletich, and the ball was knocked from Benyon’s grasp as the players clashed in mid-air. By such efforts are football matches won and lost. Had Philip Orchard not scored another try on the tour, his sprint along the Castleford side-line' would have assured him of a place in the code’s history. However, the trip has proved tobe one of unqualified prosperity for this' brilliant young wing, and he has established a new record of 27 tries with his ability to repulse tackles through sheer power and pace. On the other flank, M. P. Brereton did not receive as many opportunities, but those which came his way were accepted eagerly. Inside this pair was the cool and intelligent centre, F. R. Christian, who directed his backline precisely and complemented the evasive running of Williams and B. R. Lowther. J. A. Whittaker was an immediate and continuing success at full-back, while K. L. Stirling outplayed six different scrum halves in six tests with his exceptional cover defence and quick breaks from the scrum base. After a hesitant start, G. J. Woollard regained his composure at stand-off half and became a valuable member of the first XIII when Lowther was injured. Much of the forward penetration resulted from the strength of H. Tatana and the unflaeainz sunnort

of Kriletich, G. M. J. Smith, J. Greengrass and J. H. Fisher. D. J. Gailey rose to the challenge of test football admirably, and once R. I. Orchard had shed his excess weight he became a vital component in the test pack. But, generally, this was a team effort and the eagerness of the Kiwis to support one another was emphasised by foe number of tries that'were the culmination and reward of. long flowing movements. The 1971 Kiwis will not quickly be forgotten by those who followed their fortunes at home and abroad.

BACK IN ACTION.—The former Commonwealth Games shot and discus champion, Mrs V. I. Young (Technical), in the shot circle at Rugby Park on Saturday. Mrs Young, making a comeback this season after several years away from the sport, recorded a best distance of 44ft din. This gave her second place behind the present New Zealand champion, Miss B. Poulsen (Technical), whose best distance on the day was 45ft 3in.