No change in All Blacks, but some under pressure

Press, 21 August 1978, Page 28

No change in All Blacks, but some under pressure

Bv

KEVIN McMENAMIN

No changes have been made in the All Black team for the second test against the Wallabies at Lancaster Park next Saturday.

The selectors, Messrs Jack Gleeson, Eric Watson and Peter Burke, have almost certainly stuck to the principle of leaving a winning •ide intact.

There are unquestionably changes that could have been justified in the team that rather luckily won the first test, 13-12, at Wellington on Saturday. A number of players will need to show Improvement if they are to remain All Blacks for much loneer.

Just about all the forwards could be included in thi_ category, with the one notable exception being the new flanker, Leicester Rut* ledge. The two Ashworths, Barry and John, and the No. 8. Gary Seear, are possibly the forwards under the greatest pressure. Apart from Mark Donald-

son’s performance, which was too bad to be true, Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson were backs who were disappointing at Wellington and in Taylor’s case there must be some doubt about whether second five-eighths is his proper position. However, it is very doubtful if any changes were seriously considered. Mr Gleeson was at some pains on Saturday night to point out that all he believed the team needed was more time together. Bringing in new players would only confuse the issue.

The policy is the same one that Mr Gleeson followed last year against the British Isles. But after sticking to the same team for two tests the axe was then applied and if the All Blacks are not far more positive

next Saturday there could well be a repeat performance.

Graham Mourie is still getting over the back injury that forced him to withdraw for the first test. It is somewhat ironical that after Rut» ledge’s outstanding display as the open-side flanker on Saturday Mourie faces a major challenge in regaining his place. The team is:—

Bevan Wilson; Bryan Wil» liams, Bruce Robertson, Stu Wilson; Taylor, Doug Bruce; Donaldson; Seear; Rutledge, Frank Oliver (capt), Andy Haden, Barry Ashworth; John Ashworth, Andy Dalton, Gary Knight. Reserves: Forwards: John Black, Bill Bush, Dick Myers. Backs: Dave Loveridge, Brian McKechnie, Bill Osborne.