Irvine returns to scene of triumph

Press, 27 May 1981, Page 44

Irvine returns to scene of triumph

PA Taumarunui The Scottish rugby captain, Andy Irvine, will return today to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs when he leads his side on to the Taumarunui domain for the first match of the tour against. King Country. In 1977, playing at fullback for the British Lions, he created a Lions record by scoring five tries against King Country-Wanganui. Shortly before departing for the team’s final training run in preparation for the Scottish tour opener Irvine recalled the match: “It was an ideal day for rugby played on one of the few good fields we struck on that tour. “The forwards played very

well, setting it up for us in the backs. Brynmor Williams had an outstanding game at half-back that day tossing out those booming passes of his. "That gave our backs the room to move the ball which we did. I remember combining extremely well with Phil Bennett and Peter Squires in a number of passing movements.” Needless to say Irvine has never scored more than five tries in any one rugby match and Colin Meads will certainly be hoping he does not choose today to repeat the performance. Irvine has been placed on the wing to allow Peter Dodds to play at fullback. "We want to give everyone

the chance of a game as soon as possible on this tour,” Irvine said. If Irvine is to equal the British Isles try effort against the lowly rated second division North Island side he will have to score six. This is highly unlikely as the forward strength of this Scottish side does not compare with the British team of four years ago. The King Country side had its final workout before the game at Manunui on Monday night and before the run Mr Meads was very quick to play down his own side’s chances. After wins against A.C.T. and an Auckland XV, and a loss at the hands of Counties this season, he said the King

Country side would be too small in the forwards to even think of defeating the Scots.

However, it would be impossible to believe that a Meads’ motivated side, containing such an accomplished centre as Murray Kidd and such up-and-coming players as the prop, Kevin Boroevich, and the hooker, Andrew Campbell, will not be correctly prepared for the game.

The Scottish coach, Jim Telfer, put the finishing touches on his side’s preparations with a light workout at the match venue yesterday. Just four of the players named for the tour opener played in the Scotland team against Ireland in the last

match of the Five Nations championship.

As the fog rose from the training venue it was obvious that the game has a special significance for the centre, Alistair Cranston, the No. 8. Derek White, and the lock forward, Tom Smith.

The trio are competing with Richard Breakfy, lain Paxton and possibly Bill Cuthbertson respectively for test positions. The team’s manager, Mr Ken Smith, and Mr Telfer will be watching the performances of this trio on what promises to be a perfect pitch in fine weather. During the final training run Mr Telfer concentrated on short line-outs using the lock, Alan Tomes, White and the flanker, Gordon Dickson.

The tall Smith was not i used in this facet of prepara- | tion but he has a reputation I as an up-and-coming I member of the side, after an ; outstanding national trial be- i fore the Five Nations series. ! Unfortunately he suffered a ■ knee injury before compcti- ; tion began. • Much of the light two-hour i workout was spent in tacti- ' cal discussion during which I it was always apparent that i Mr Telfer was very much in i command. While he concentrated on • the forwards Irvine put his i backs through a series of defensive manoeuvres before the match side came together and ran against the dirt-trackers in a 15-minute ' lively workout.