High hopes for water polo

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33514, 20 April 1974, Page 44

High hopes for water polo

If the New Zealand water polo team leaves for its European tour in July ••completely fit.” it has a very good chance of winning, “or definiitely being in the top two," at the international tournament in Malta. This was the view of I. A.[ 'Mills, the Australian vice-; •captain and leading coach, [who spent four days with the [New Zealand team at Easter. The manager of the New Zealand team (Mr M. C. ! Scott) said Mills felt the i

team’s success would depend very largely on the referees at Malta. The fanatical crowds exert a great deal of pressure on the referees, to the extent of threatening their lives. Mr Scott said Mills, who [helped coach the New Zeallanders in Australia last [year, did not attempt to I draw comparisons between! ■ the two teams, although he i thought a few more younger; players might have been! chosen. “He still thinks Mark Harding is the best of our players—and that he could' be a lot better if he did » loti more work," Mr Scott added.:

I Apart from the coaching ; experience Mills was able to bring, his own extensive ; and recent travelling helped put Neve Zealand in the pic- ; ture on different techniques and styles. "So many interpretations I have changed, and where sol much was previously done in; [midfield, the whole pattern’ [of play now hinges on the; [eight metres in front of the! jgoal,” said Mr Scott "The! [sitting centre-forward is now' [there to get three fouls on! ian opponent and to put him I [out of the water.” ! Mills had also said that; [priorities for a good wat°r[ ipolo player had changed.'

"The first requisite now is! leg strength—if a player; does not have good legs, he[ might as well chuck it in.; Then, in order, come speed,; size, and ball-handling, with! intelligence only fifth.” [ Mills thought a lot morel [could be done on the legs of; [the New Zealand players,! [said Mr Scott. "None of our; [team has good legs, but he: i could see some had done a [wee bit. i "He impressed this on usi ilast year, but it is even more' [important, now.” lee hotkey.—Russia made virtually certain of retaining the' [ world ice hockey title when i‘, .defeated Czechoslovakia, 3-1, at ' Helsinki yesterday, 1