Denholm allergic to silver fern

Press, 19 October 1977, Page 6

Denholm allergic to silver fern

Th* University end Auckland rugby prop forward, Greg Denholm, must now rank among a very elite group of individuals in All Black history. For not only has he turned down the opportunity of representing this country on the football paddock once but now ha? done so twice. Denholm, a 30-year-old lawyer, was wanted as a replacement during the South African tour last year by the All Black selectors but gave up the chance because the notice given was too short to leave his law practice. The replacement was tor another Auckland profs Brad Johnstone, and Perry Harris, of Manawatu, filled the breach.

Thi> time Denholm was asked to replace the injured leek Vance Stewart, of Canterbury, who had to withdraw at th* last minutes from the All Black tour to France and Italy because of an Injured thumb. Again Denholm replied In the negative to the New Zealand Rugby Union but thia time because of different reasons. Yesterday he said: "It waa the way it was done," adding that he had been available for selection all season and that the decision "did not really take the players into consideration." Asked If he would accept an All Black jersey if it was offered again he said he would, depending on the circumstances.