Japan's team arrives

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33516, 23 April 1974, Page 26

Japan 's team arrives

(X Z Preu lUvnMin 1 AUCKLAND. Although more experienced and potentially stronger than when it last toured New Zealand in 19fi8, the Japanese Rugby team which arrived in Auckland yesterday has lost one great asset—the element of surprise, according to its manager (Mr S. Konno). “Our st'le of play has not changed much because it must be geared to our stature and be based on speed and agility,” Mr Konno said.

“Will we do better in 1974 than we did in IMS? That is hard to say. We knew your style of play in IMS. but you did not know ours. Now you do, so we cannot surprise you.”

He said the tour would be tougher than in IMS. “Japanese Rugbv has gained a lot of experience since our last tour here, for we have played matches against England, and in England, Wales. and France,” he said. “This experience will probably be an asset” NEW PLAYERS

Mr Konno said that the Japanese backs were fast, but they may lack in experience. They made nine changes in the backs. “I thought that was a lot until 1 heard that New Zealand had gone one better and had kept only 10 of their last touring side,” he said.

According to D. Sakata, who has played for Canterbury and New Zealand Universities, this Japan team is a good one, but he says that the fullback, N. L'eyama. might lack consistency in goalkicking.

The Japanese will open their tour against Counties at Pukekohe on Ihursday. They will meet a combined Canterbury I'niver-sity-Lincoln College side at Rugby Park on Tuesday, May 7, and South Canterbury at Timaru two days later.

• uqOy-The AH Bla.K threequarter, D. Hales, presuously of Canterbury will make hit first appearance for Hawke's Bay in the opening match of the 1974 representative Rugby ses-on agauut King Country at Tautnarunui on Thursday, lit- replaces M Duncan, uho retired from Rugbv this season.

• u,by ieapue.—A P Kriletich, •ho will cepiain the Pakeha Rugby League Xlll against the Maoris at Carlaw Park on Anrae bay. i» available tor the Kiwis and the Auckland representative team. He »'a» net available In I 1972 because ef a recurring muscle Injure Vntil then he had played 22 consecutive tests !