Auck. blasts Otago

Press, 1 September 1980, Page 19

Auck. blasts Otago

PA Auckland Bryan Crales realised his Rugby coaching dream at Eden Park on Saturday as his Auckland representative team completely ripped apart Otago in defending the Ranfurly Shield for the sixth time since taking it late last season. Mr Craies has often said his big ambition as Auckland coach was to get a representative side so geared up, so perfect, that it could win a steady stream of ball, up front and let the talented backline run riot. ■ Auckland scored an incredible eight 1 tries — three by the full-back, Ali Sutherland, three by the

back row of Kevin Ramsey, Stu Conn, and Alwyn Harvey, one by the All Black centre, Tim Twigden, and another by Bryan Williams, who played one of the finest games of his career.

Williams added four conversions and a penaltv for a personal tails’ of 15 points, more than half the number he had previously tallied in 20 Ranfurlj’ Shield appearances. The statistics in the first 20 minutes showed that Otago was on top. It led 7-4 in line-outs, 5-3 in second phase, and 3-0 on the scoreboard after a penalty goal by David Halligan from 32 metres, But finally the Auckland

players came to light. They penetrated the Otago 22m line for the first time, won a series of four rucks then scored through Sutherland from a tap penalty and a quick ruck set up by the prop, Greg Burgess.

Auckland scored again after another drive by Burgess only five minutes later. The ball went to Williams who tossed a high pass infield to Sutherland for his second try.

Otago first-five eighth, Wayne Peters, closed the gap to 6-10 at half time with one of his two dropped goals. Warwick Taylor scored a try, and Halligan kicked a penalty goal.