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Press, 24 June 1978, Page 12

JOHN BROOKS

By .

Several forwards have been switched to the backs during the days when the no replacement rule was in vogue. Ron Ward, in the first test against the 1937 Springboks, Peter Johnstone, in the third test against the 1950 Lions, and Eddie Robinson, in the second test agaisnt the 1952 Wallabies, were all loose forwards who transferred to the wing when backs were injured. Another flanker, Bill Clark, went to centre when Robin Archer was test against the 1952 Wallhurt in the third test against the 1956 Springboks.

Alistair Scown, the Taranaki flanker who replaced Grant Batty on the wing against Ebbw Vale during the 1972-3 All Black tour of Britain, was experienced in both positions. He began his representative career as a wing then became a flanker and rose to national prominence. Later he made occasional appearances as a centre for Taranaki. Brian Finlay, who played as a second fiveeigths for Manawatu and North Island, became an All Black flanker in 1959. There are several other instances of players making good as backs and forwards.

J. P. R. Williams did not complete last Saturday's test on the side of the scrum. When Tony Donovan was hurt Williams went to full-back and Wales played a nine-man back-line for the final quarter. Gareth Evans, the replacement, played on the left wing, and J. J- Williams moved infield to become a third centre.