Canty last obstacle to unbeaten tour for Auckland

Press, 17 August 1979, Page 24

Canty last obstacle to unbeaten tour for Auckland

By KEVIN McMENAMIN lie Auckland rugby team arrived in Christchurch yesterday hoping to earn a special niche for. itself at Lancaster Park tomorrow. Before it lies the goal of beating the three major i South Island unions on a single tour, something which [has not been done for many [years. Its neighbour, North came close this [year, before stumbling at the 'last obstacle, Canterbury. The Auckland coach, Brian Craies, said the team was very keen to return home with an unbeaten record, but he was under no illusions about the task in front of it. “I never underestimate Canterbury,” he said. “It is always a tough side to beat, especially on Lancaster

Park, and I hear it has. been going well in recent games.” Mr C. Craies said he was very .happy with the wins over Otago and Southland. “We worked hard at putting ■a plan together and it came off. 1 am very pleased with the way the side went down south, and I just hope for something similar on Saturday.” On Wednesday Auckland thrashed West Coast, 44-3, after leading only 9-0 gt half-time. “I got a bit grumpy at half-time and this got rid of some of the lethargy,” said Mr Craies.

He" has been able to name his strongest possible side for tomorrow’s game, although the No. 8, Maurice Trapp, has a deep-seated bruise and he has been

bracketed in the meantime with Stuart Conn. The All Black lock, Andy Haden, who played an outstanding match against Southland and also when he came on as a reserve against Otago, has a cut mouth, but Mr Craies said Haden would be playing. The Auckland team is; Colin Farrell, Bryan Williams, Tim Twigden, Gary Cunningham, Mike Mills, Mike Richards, Richard Dunn, Stewart Conn or Maurice Trapp, Steve Vaotu’ua, John Allen, Andy Haden, Kevin Ramsay, Leon Toki, Kevin Boyle, Brad Johnstone (captain). Reserves. — Ivan Waterson, Lindsay Harris, Mark Henley-Smith, Bill Preston, Mike Niven.