Japanese speed and guile in 43-6 win

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33520, 29 April 1974, Page 24

Japanese speed and guile in 43-6 win

(Neto Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON.

Speed was the keynote of Japan’s staggering, 43-6, victory ; against Waikato-Auckland Universities in brilliant sunshine and on firm ground yesterday.

In quickness of thought and movement, and ability to switch the direction of an attack, the Japanese made their opponents look sluggish and lethargic. The students, however, had played in their club games, in cold, trying conditions, on Saturday, and six members of the original side were not available. SHORT LINE-OUTS The quality of some of the Rugby played by the Japanese, and their refreshingly lively approach to the game, was outstanding. Following their customary policy of avoiding close-quarter play, and of keeping the ball moving constantly, they shortened their line-outs throughout the game. The surprisingly large share of possession they won up front was helped by their speed and dexterity in capitalising on opposition mis-

takes and launching counterattacks.

Expert backing-up made it possible for the ball to be moved so quickly that the Universities defence was outflanked. Hand-to-hand passing along the chain was used most frequently to bring the full-back, N. Veyama, into the line.

Veyama was a favourite of the crowd for his successful

■ “round-the-corner” goal-kick-ing; T. Itoh, elusive and fleet

of foot, looked one of the best wings to visit Hamilton for some while; and the centre, S. Mori, was lightning through a gap. The first five-eighths. K. Nakamura, who kept a tight control of the back-line, must have been thankful for the swift and expert service of the resourceful half-back, H. Shukuzawa. Of the forwards none impressed more than the flanker. T. Ishizuka, a ball of fire around the field, and the lock, K. Shibata. The half-back, J. McCarroll, did his best to set the (Universities back-line moving — it was rare for it to threaten danger. Many movements were halted by the fast, flat defence of the Japanese inside backs. EARLY PENALTIES

Eight minutes before halftime Japan led by three penaltv goals to two. and the first try came in the thirtysixth minute. At half-time Japan led 13-6, Japan’s tries were scored by Nakamura, Itoh, Mori, Ishizuka, Shukuzawa and K. Aruga, while Veyama kicked four conversions and three penalties and Nakamura kicked a penalty. B. Stephens kicked two penalties for the students.

Dickison in rep. squad

B. I. Dickison, who was unable to play against Wellington on Saturday, has been named in the Canterbury squad of 15 for the Rugby league match against New ' South Wales Country on Sunday. The team, announced last evening, is: M. W. J. O’Donnell. D. R. Neylons, E. S. Kerrigan, L. Paskell, Dickison, M. P. Brereton (captain), W. A. Wilson, P. R. H. Brown, J. Greengrass, D. P. Brown, A. P. Rushton, G. R. Findlay, A. Sarjeant, R. S. Walker (vice-captain), J. C. McNish. Training at Linwood Park at 7.30 p.m. tonight. —Advt

Golf.—M. Pinero (Spain) won the $17,000 Madrid open golf championship after a suddendeath play-off against a fellowcountryman, V. Barrios, with a (birdie 2 at the first extra hole. Referee's death.—A Rugby referee, Mr Bernard Ambrose Story, aged 45, died after suffering a heart attack while refereeing a senior club match in Gisborne on Saturday. He was refereeing a game between Rangitira and High School Old , Boys when he collapsed on the ground during the second half. ■ He failed to respond to treatment.