Australians beat Auckland

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33962, 1 October 1975, Page 18

Australians beat Auckland

'.Xcu Zealand Press Asa&citition) AUCKLAND. Auckland last night salvaged some of New Zealand’s Rugby league prestige when it was beaten 6-17 by Australia at Carlaw Park after trailing 4-9 al half-time.

Auckland’s per- : formance was one which the crowd of 14,000 had hoped for, but did not really dare expect.

However, as they had done i in earlier international [matches, the home 13 played above themselves.

i In the first 20 minutes thev applied the pressure with strong running by first Wayne Robertson, then Albie Hansen. The Australians were pinned in their own territory, while three times the Aucklanders narrowly missed crossing their line.

In defence the Aucklanders showed that they had at least learnt from the visitors in going for the ball carrier two or three at a time thus pre-

' venting the bail from being passed along the ever-ready attacking back line. If it had not been for a try which the Kangaroos scorer against the run of play in the thirtieth minute Auckland would have had the first-half lead instead of trailing 4-9

Australia was the first , scorer with a penalty from the [boot of Mick Cronin. Warren Collicoat had a couple of shots but missed. Then in successive attempts at penalty goals he put Auckland ahead 4-2. Tom Raudonikis scored the against-the-run-of-play try to I put Australia in the lead, [while Cronin’s conversion it 7-4, Cronin added another penalty a minute before half-time to make the half-time score 9-4. In the second half. lan Schubert replaced John Brass who had taken a heavy knock and Paul Matete tore shoulder ligaments to be replaced by Barrie Dyer. Dyer went on the wing while Bill Sorensen took over in the centre.

Collicoat kicked his third penalty but Cronin and then Allan McMahon scored to make the total 15-6. A final penalty kicked by Cronin ended the scoring at 17-6. Australia was awarded seven penalties to Auckland's 16. while the hooking of Murray Wright for Auckland gained it possession from 17 scrums to the Australians' nine.