Forward power wins

Press, 14 July 1980, Page 4

Forward power wins

NZPA Sydney Superior;' forward technique powered the New Zealand under21s to an exciting 10-8 win over the Australian under-21s in the first test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.

The match was ■I a curtainraiser to the decisive third test between Australia and the All Blacks.

The two sides produced magnificent football in near-perfect conditions before a packed crowd, estimated to be in the vicinity of 50.000.

Australia led. 4-0. at half-time after a try by George Cavalas in the twenty-fifth minute, but New Zealand stormed back after the Interval to hit the front, 6-4, with a try' by the centre. Victor Simpson, of Canterbury, and a conversion bv the Canterbury full-back, Robbie Deans. The match featured sweeping backline moves by both sides

and the huge crowd roared its approval when Australia hit the frolit, 8-6, 20 tainutes from fulltime. .

The right win, Paul Costello, of Queensland, finished off a superb break by the New South Wales centre. Gary Ella, to score wide-out.

But the Australians had barely settled back to enjoy their lead when the New Zealand, forwards charged into their work and sent Neal Ruddell crashing over for the match winning try 10 minutes from the’’ enn.

Although both sides scoreditwo tries, the Australians squandered numerous scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes and had only themselves to blame for their defeat. For New Zealand. Ruddell. Andrew Anderson and Gary Whetton all had strong games, while Australia’s best were the Ella brothers, Gary and Glen.