Clark ready; has been keeping fit

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33092, 6 December 1972, Page 34

Clark ready; has been keeping fit

(N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN. There was no more excited Rugby player in New Zealand yesterday than Lindsay Clark, the 6ft, 15st 21b Otago prop forward, who was advised in the morning that he was being invited to join the All Blacks as a replacement for K. Murdoch. But while he regarded the news as “terrific,” he also had a word of sympathy with die man he replaces. “Poor old Keith; I just can’t understand it,” Clark said. “I thought I might be considered as a replacement but didn’t expect it.” FLY TOMORROW He will travel to Wellington this afternoon, and to Britain by air on Thursday. Even though his last Rugby was played almost three months ago, Clark appears extremely fit. He has been keeping himself in trim by running two nights a week, “to keep the waistline down,” and also by playing squash. From the time the news got through to him, Clark

has been extremely busy. Measurements for his tour clothing had to be taken, a medical check made, arrangements for his travel completed, leave sought from his employers, finances arranged for his wife and two children while he is away, and a host of other tasks to be accomplished in a few hours. DEBUT IN 1965 Bom in Dunedin 28 years ago, Clark attended Kings High School, which had produced three other New Zealand representatives in the last decade — C. R. Laidlaw, I. Smith and L. W. Mains. He made his debut for Otago in 1965 but did not become a regular representative until a few years later. His first full season for Otago was in 1969 when he played, variously, on the flank, and back and front row. By 1970, his established

place was tight-head prop and he is now rated the best scrummager in this position in Otago — notwithstanding the fact that J. D. Matheson and Murdoch were chosen ahead of him for the All Blacks.

Last year, with Matheson, he propped the Otago scrum which packed so well against the Lions at Carisbrook, and could not be buckled as the touring forwards dealt with many other packs in New Zealand.

This year, Clark was given his first opportunity for higher honours when he was chosen to play in the All Black trials, but at Wellington he was played at loosehead, a new experience for him, and also at No. 2 in the line-outs instead of his usual position at five or six.

Soeeer.—Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur drew, 1-1, in the quarter-final of the English League Cup at Liverpool. The replay will be at Tottenham.