Fiji unlikely to upset Counties

Press, 6 September 1980, Page 60

Fiji unlikely to upset Counties

PA Auckland Counties, renowned for their sparkling backline play in recent years,, are expected to beat the touring Fijians through their forwards, at Pukekohe Stadium today. The Counties’ pack could not have been more impressive than it was last Sunday when it steamrolled the Wellington forwards and so laid the foundation for the Counties’ 12-4 win in the crucial national division one championship match. The Fijian forwards are hardly likely to provide any greater opposition today than Wellington did five days ago. The Pukekohe Stadium ground was heavy last Sunday for the Counties-Wel-lington clash and with steady rain over the last two days it is sure to be in similar condition today. Much of the play, therefore, can be expected to be confined in the forwards where Counties must have the edge.

Counties’ coach, Pat Walsh, wants a “convincing performance” from his defending national division one champion side. Today’s match could be critical to the chances of several Counties’ players With hopes of making the All Black tour of Wales next month. In this category would be

John Spiers, Rod Ketels and Paul Tuoro in the forwards, and Brett Codlin and Bruce Robertson in the backs. Mr Walsh has moved Spiers — whom he rates as the best tighthead prop in the country — from lock to prop for today’s match. He has done this to help Spiers’s All Black selection cause.

Mr Walsh has, however, decided to give another All Black hopeful, Andy Dalton, a spell. Dalton has his chance to play his way back into the All Black side when he hooks for the New Zealand XV against Fiji at Eden Park next Saturday. Today’s teams are:Counties: Brett Codlin; Tony Arnold, Bruce Robertson, Paul Reilly or Paul Penney. Graeme Taylor (captain). Warren McLean; Tim Butcher or Mark Moore; Alan Dawson; Hank Habraken, Paul Tuoro, John Kennedy, Gary Wright; Rod Ketels, Kevin Ashby, John Spiers. Fiji: Warne Gavidi; Tevita Makutu, Seru Cavuilati, Senivalati Laulau, Pita Kewa (captain), Rupeni Nakiyoyo;! Sanisoni Viriviri; Eneri Ratudradra; Ilami Lutumailagi, Kata Ratumuri. Vilikesa Vatuwaliwali, lokimi Finau; Pecili Kina, Sunia Seru, Joketani Ravouvon.