Bar on “funny stuff”

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33189, 31 March 1973, Page 48

Bar on “funny stuff”

(N.Z.P A. Staff Correspondent) EDINBURGH. Although there will be a festival-type atmosphere about the match between the Scottish Rugby Union President’s XV and Scotland at Murrayfield today, it will certainly not degenerate into an exhibition romp. Both the coach of the President’s XV and the president himself made it clear yesterday that they expected their team to win. Mr I. M. H. Vodanovich, the former New Zealand selector, who has assumed the role of chief coach of the team, said: “It is a great honour to run this team and I hope it is going to win. “We have a job to do, and [winning is one of the great things about Rugby. I cer-

tainly hope, however, that this team will be able to run the ball in achieving its objectives.” The president, Mr A. Wilson, also expressed hopes for an enjoyable game. “I don’t expect it to be a tense game, but I am determined that my team will play hard,” he said. “I am not going to have any funny stuff.” The game will begin a week of celebrations to mark the centenary of the Scottish Rugby Union. Before play starts, the British Foreign Secretary. Sir Alec DouglasHome, will unveil a plaque commemorating the milestone. New Zealand, with six players, dominates the Presi-

dent’s XV for the game. South Africa, Australia, and France each has three players. Mr Vodanovich has been pleased with the way in which the players have combined in practice, but this is perhaps not so surprising Two of the South Africans, J. H. Ellis and P. J. Greyling, played with some of the New Zealanders in the matches held last year to raise money for the Commonwealth Games. The three New Zealanders not playing today — G. F. Skudder, A. I. Scown. and B. Holmes — are assured of a game on Wednesday when a second match is played between the two teams at Galashiels, south of Edinburgh.