Match should mirror Brereton’s style

Press, 16 April 1981, Page 38

Match should mirror Brereton’s style

Ry

JOHN COFFEY

The inclusion of James Leuluai (Auckland) in the 1980 Kiwis team to play in the Mocky Brereton testimonial match at the Show Grounds on Sunday could hardly be more appropriate, for Leuluai has succeeded Brereton as the code's most prolific try-scorer in firstclass football. Leuluai’s most recent appearance in Christchurch is still vividly remembered, especially by the South Island representatives who were his opponents last year. His third try carried Auckland to a 24-19 win in the final minute and cost the southerners a place in the $400,000 Tooth Cup series this season. The outstanding reputation that Leuluai has earned as an attacking centre or fullback was enhanced during the 1980 New Zealand tour of Britain and France, and the English club, Hull, has placed him under contract for the next northern winter. Now that Fred Ah Kuoi wishes to join North Sydney and Bruce Dickison is overseas, Leuluai is virtually un-

challenged as the most positive back in this country. His effectiveness should be increased by his partnership with Gordon Smith in the kiwi halves against the invitation XIII on Sunday. If the main purpose of the , game is to recognise Brereton’s considerable contribution to rugby league, the participants are unlikely to be casual in their approach, the Kiwis will be guided by the test coach, Ces Mountford, who, with another national selector. Harry Walker, will be gauging the form of candidates for the series against France in June. The Kiwi side includes 10 members of the touring party which drew the test rubbers with both Britain and France, the numbers being made up by three New Zealand 19-years representatives, Merv Clarkson, Tony Wildermoth and Colin Archer. Two of their teammates. John Griffiths and John De Goldi, are named as reserves, giving the young quintet a rare opportunity to team up with their seniors.

Two of the Invitation XIII i forwards. Paul Truscott and i : Terry Gillman. also have much to gain. Truscott was desperately unluckv not to be chosen for the 1980 tour, and Gillman would almost certainly have been selected had . he been available. The Invitation XIII has a‘j pack capable of extending its • rival. Rod Walker might bei having his final major] match. John Griffin is al vastly-experienced hooker, | his West Coast team-mate,;. Wayne Dwyer, has undoubted J potential. and Derek ’ McLaughlan could now be? ready for a permanent place! in representative rugbv ; league. 5 Eddie Kerrigan and John j O’Sullivan, both former test! three-quarters, and the South i Island players, David Field,' Mike Williams, Chris Men- j zies and Michael McEwan. J have the combined skills to * trouble the Kiwi back-line, '] The over-all prospect is I for a fast and open style of football, as would befit a testimonial to Brereton, the | only player to have scored 100 tries at first-class level in New Zealand. i