N.Z.'s rugby sevens stance attacked

Press, 31 March 1980, Page 25

N.Z.'s rugby sevens stance attacked

PA Wellington The new president of the Australian Rugby Union (Sir Nicholas Shehadie) on Saturday night criticised the attitude of New Zealand rugby toward the international seveh-a-side tournament in Hong Kong. He was in Wellington as a guest speaker at the Rotary “3H” celebrity dinner to farewell a former All Black, Bob Scott, from the area. “When Australia plays, we want to play against the best, but New Zealand still insists on sending its provincial winner,” he said.. • . Sir Nicholas managed the last Australian team to Hong Kong and will again manage the side next month. "The team New Zealand sends still classifies itself as New Zealand, but it’s not the true representative national team,” he said.

The proposed AU Black tour to Australia later this year has already , created much interest, according to Sir Nicholas. “I understand there have been 5000 inquiries from New Zealanders planning to foUow the All Blacks and we are very pleased as this year looks like again being a healthy year money-wise for the Australian union.

> “We have big forwards and pace on the wings in the national team now and I'm sure the threetest series will fee close.” As for his memories as a test player against legendary All Blades. Sir Nicholas said “To remember, I just look in the mirror.” "

“They were great players, and I would like it known Kevin Skinner was one of the cleanest players I’ve played against, he was a credit to rugby,” said Sir Nicholas.