N.Z. experience called up

Press, 10 June 1977, Page 24

N.Z. experience called up

By

JOHN COFFEY

Bill Francis, the \\ igan utility hack who is more familiar with the Xeu Zealand style of rugby league than any of his team-males, has been promoted to the (•real Britain side lor the World Gup fixture against the Kiwis al the Show (Grounds on Sunday.

Although Francis might not have the extensive international background of such players as Roger Millward, Steve Nash, Jim Thompson and George Nicholls, he has had greater opportunity to gain a clear insight of the code in this country at all levels. The sturdily-built Francis spent the 1973 southern winter with the Waterside club in Wellington, and represented that province on five occasions. The association seems to have benefited both parties: Francis’s professional outlook assisted Wellington in raising its standard, 'and since his return to Wigan, Francis has earned regular test caps for Wales and now Britain.

There are few more versatile first-class footballers. Francis was at full-back when he scored one of Wales’s two tries in its 8-13 loss to New Zealand at Auckland during the 1975 world series, and he touched down twice as a centre when Wales reversed the decision, 25-24, at Swansea a few months later.

Earlier this year Francis was the Welsh stand-off half for its triangular tournament clashes with England and France, but he returns to the centre as Les Dyl’s partner in midfield for the game at the Show Grounds on Sunday. The selection of Francis, who had been troubled bv' illness when the British squad arrived in this country, at the expense of John Holmes was the only change made from the line-up which accounted for France, 23-4, at Carlaw Park last week-end. Holmes becomes the reserve back — in place of the second string stand-off half, Ken Gill.

Mr Reg Parker, the British manager, announced the team as his coach, Mr David Watkins, put the players through a brisk one-hour training work-out at Aranui High School yesterday morning. Although the second-row forward, Eddie Bowman, ran only briefly before leaving to seek treatment to his right knee, he was named in the side and is expected to be fit for the test. The team is.—

George Fairbairn; Keith Fielding, Dyl, Francis, Stuart Wright; Mill ward (captain), Nash; Thompson, David Ward, Steve Pitchford; Nicholls, Bowman; Phil Hogan. Reserves: Holmes, Len Casey. Fielding, whose consider-

able pace on the wing cart him to England rugby un honours before he signed a professional, has a mit shoulder injur), the aft

math of the tough gamt against Northern Zone Maoriat Huntley on Tuesday. The British squad includeHolmes, but even if it alsi had a Watson, their combiner investigative talents wouk probably not be enough t< discover the final composi

tion of the New Zealanc team. The Kiwi coach (Mi (Ron Ackland) was offering nc I clues when his players (trained twice at Middletor Park yesterday. Warren Collicoat is certair to be retained at full-back even though Michael O’Donnell took his turn there foi some of the manoeuvres, anc the positions in dispute an loose forward and wing. All three loose forwards ir the group, Mark Graham, Rat Baxendale and Whare Henry were fitted into the over-al! scheme of things, and Chris Jordan and John Whittake! shared one of the Hanks ol the back-line. It was noticeable that the New Zealanders concentrateci far more on moving as a team, simulating match situations, and the handling anc passing was generally of a high standard. The long-range weathet forecast is reasonably favourable. Mainly cloudy weathei is expected for the next twc days, with possibly some overnight drizzle; moderate north-easterly winds or Saturday might be just enough to dry the playing surface.

Rugby.—Don Colling, called onof retirement to bolster ar injury-hit Otago side in Wednesday’s match against the Lions is determined to make the gam* his last in tirst-class rugby Colling officially retired at the beginning of the season, bring ing to an end a distinguistiec career in which he played 91 first-class games, of which 7S were for Otago.