Whittaker full-back for league cup match

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32903, 29 April 1972, Page 42

Whittaker full-back for league cup match

(By

J. O. COFFEY)

J. A. Whittaker, whose performances at full-back greatly contributed to the success of the 1971 Kiwi tour of Britain and Trance, will make his first appearance in that position in New Zealand when Wellington challenges West Coast for the Rugby League Cup at Greymouth tomorrow’.

In all his previous club and inter-provincial football Whittaker has played as a wing—where he made his international debut during the World Cup tournament in Britain two years ago —or centre.

However, he was switched to full-back by the New Zealand coach (Mr D. L. Blanchard) for the first test against Britain at Salford.

His clean handling, solidity on defence and ability to make long, sweeping runs when in possession earned for him the “player of the match” award, and he retained his high standard throughout the tour. On his return Whittaker

made it known that he still M. Carson, have had extenheld a preference for his sive experience at tepresentafavourite position in the tive and intematioial levels, centres and he was chosen The 1969 New Zealand unthere for Wellington’s match der-23 forward, R. Tupaea, against Bay of Plenty last and the wing, H. Graham, weekend. were responsible for three Since then the Wellington selectors have obviously had a change of opinion, for Whittaker has been moved to full-back, S. McCullough transferred from full-back to right wing, and N. Tupaea brought in to partner M. Edmonds in the centres.

The rivalry between Whittaker and G. C. Ladner, the West Coast full-back who kicked 38 goals in only eight tests in 1969-70, should be a highlight of the cup fixture tomorrow. Last season, Ladner developed his attacking potential considerably although he was not available to tour Britain and France because of personal reasons. Orchard missing Even without the highscoring Kiwi wing, P. C. Orchard, Wellington must be rated a strong chance of regaining the trophy it lost to West Coast last season. In addition to Whittaker, the hooker, C. E. O’Neill, the second-row forward, G. M. J. Smith, and the scrum-half, E.

tries apiece in the 47-18 defeat of Bay of Plenty, while the former Richmond (Auckland) stand-off half, A. Hoskings, succeeded with all but two of his 12 goal-kicking opportunities. To counter this depth of talent in the Wellington side. West Coast will be relying largely on the proven performers, Ladner, W K. Johnsen (centre), J. B. lx>w (who gained nine tries on the wing last year) and the props, J. D. Hibbs and W. Hargreaves.