ERRORS NEAR OWN GOAL-LINE Stern lessons for Scots in second tour defeat

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33858, 2 June 1975, Page 20

ERRORS NEAR OWN GOAL-LINE Stern lessons for Scots in second tour defeat

(By

J. K. BROOKS)

The margin was flattering but the victory decisive when Canterbury beat the touring Scottish Rugby team, 20-9, in Saturday’s big game at Lancaster Park oval.

Scotland seized the lead on three occasions during match but, as in the game against Otago earlier in the week, its failure to win rucked ball and its careless errors close to its own line contributed heavily to its second defeat of the tour.

Against three penalty goals by Scotland’s champion goal - kicker, Andy Irvine, Canterbury scored four tries — two of them from rucks and two from Scottish mistakes.

The game was won and lost in the last 10 minutes when a try by Fergie McCormick and a tackle by Stewart Cron ensured Canterbury of victory.

It was, perhaps, a medical miracle that McCormick was able to play, but the terrible twisting and stretching the tendons and ligaments in his right knee received three weeks ago robbed him of his goal-kicking powers. ‘Hooking’ “I was hooking every kick, and I thought to myself ‘l’ve got to do something’,” the veteran fullback, who was playing his 299th first-class game, said later. That “something” came in the form of a blind-side try, scored after McCormick had threaded through a cluster of defenders at full speed

and hurled himself across tne line in a double tackle. “When I see that little white line I go,” he said. Five minutes from the end of the game Lewis Dick, Scotland’s m<sst prominent attacker, swerved past McCormick and seemed certain to score. An Irvine conversion — and he has not missed one on this tour — would have put Scotland in front by a point. Fine tackle But, suddenly, Cron was on the scene, having covered 30 yards at break-neck speed. He brought Dick tc earth barely two yards from the goal-line — and Canterbury’s win was secured. Scotland dominated possession from the set pieces — it gained twice as much ball as Canterbury in this area, and it reaped a rich 24-6 harvest from the lineouts. But its strong back-line seemed almost reluctant t< probe for midfield gaps or t< bring Irvine into the move ment. Instead the Scots placet too much emphasis on terri torial gains through the sound kicking of Colin Tel fer, their fly-half. , When they attacked it was noticeable that they had nc alternative plan when the checking of a movement was imminent. It was Canterbury’s mastery in the rucks — which it won, 10-0 —- which tipped the scales in the home team’s favour. Scotland desperately needed secondphase possession to create scoring opportunities, but Canterbury not only denied the visitors this chance but also used its rucked ball with telling effect. Dynamic Significant contributions to Canterbury’s win came from Bill Bush and Doug Bruce, both of whom played superbly. The chief national selector (Mr J. J. Stewart) was among the crowd of 34,500 and it would be nc surprise if he were to summon both men to Auckland

for the international on June 14.

Bush was a dynamic figure in the tight, and his furiqus charges from the line-out had Scotland reacting with apprehension. Bruce was the complete general, and his tactical appreciation and quick-think-ing helped the side to make the most of its resources. His handling and kicking could not be faulted. The big-game temperament possessed by Alex Wyllie and Lyn Davis was never more valuable to Canterbury. Wyllie was constantly on terms with developments, and his leadership was nothing short of inspiring. Davis was cool and adroit in alf he did, and he set up two of the tries. Dave Thompson, John Phillips, and Dave McGuigan were three others who distinguished themselves by their clever play in several sorties. Although beaten in over-all possession, Canterbury was much more purposeful with the ball in hand. Spilled ball Scotland’s play did not do justice to its talent, but the fault lay at its own door. Dick made one spectacular break, but after running 50 yards he turned infield and entrusted the ball to the lock, Alan Tomes, who spilled it. Had Dick passed to his fellow wing, Billy Steele, on his right, the Canterbury defence would have been outflanked. This was the most glaring

example of Scotland’s failings; there were several others which were not so readily apprent. But the tourists’ decision not to open up an attack from their own side of half-way made Canterbury’s task easier. Costly lapses And Scotland’s lapses of concentration close to the goal-line cost the side two tries. Canterbury certainlv made the most of the opportunities which came its way. The scrummaging contests were intense; rarely have two sides packed lower and applied the weight with such grim resolve. Tane Norton and Duncan Madsen each gained one tight-head in a duel in which the tight forwards exerted themselves to the limits of endurance. It was all Scotland in the line-outs. Alastair McHarg was the principal figure in the tourists’ clear-cut success, and Canterbury added to its failures in this sector by inviting several penalties; Bush was adjudged off-side several times. The referee (Mr Peter McDavitt, of Wellington) gave Scotland 15 penalties and Canterbury six.

But in rucking and driving Canterbury was supreme, and it paved the way to victory by its excellence in these plays in the second half.

Scotland now knows what to expect from the All Blacks at Eden Park in two weeks. For Canterbury. — Tries by Terry Mitchell, Ricky Allen, Bruce, and McCormick; two conversions by Wyllie. For Scotland. — Three penalty goals by Irvine.