South first obstacle to French league quest

Press, 3 June 1981, Page 42

South first obstacle to French league quest

By

JOHN COFFEY

The French quest for world rugby league recognition — a plan evolved four years ago and code-named “Objectif ’81” — resumes when the Tricolours open their tour of New Zealand against the South Island at the Show Grounds this evening.

Although France has won nine of its last 12 tests, its officials have long regarded the present tour as an opportunity to establish true credibility. free of any suspicions of home ground or refereeing advantages. It is also a chance to prove that France can mount a united campaign in New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea and to put behind it controversies regarding rough play. That is signified by the naming of Didier Hermet wind Yvan Greseque, the opposing captains in the recently abandoned club championship final, in the side to oppose South. Louis Bonnery, the French national director of coaching and mastermind behind his country’s resurgence, is keen that his squad be regarded favourably right from the outset of “Le Voyage Extraordinaire.” The French management has chosen an attractive

combination for its debut. All of the players have previously represented France in full internationals; seven of them appeared in the tests against the Kiwis last November and four others in the national under-24 side which lost to New Zealand, 5-4. ' ' Three of those youngsters, Bernard Imbert, Guy Delaunay and Philippe Fourquet have been retained in the three-quarters for tonight’s encounter. With them will be Hugues Ratier, a 21-year-old outside back of great potential whose performances in the home tests against New Zealand made him a target for. rugby union scouts. “France has a rising generation of outstanding young centres and wings, and there were 'a great number of choices for the tour,” Mr Bonnery said yesterday. “Even without Jean-Marc Bourret (who accepted payment to switch to rugby union and has been left in a

football limbo) this was the most difficult part of the tour selection.” The test pairing of Greseque and Herve Guiraud in the halves should ensure that the outside backs are given full rein, but Mr Bonnery said that the very experienced forward pack would be expected to carry out much of the groundwork for victory. Modern scrummaging tactics, which have restricted the freedom for scrumhalves to distribute possession, worry Mr Bonnery. “Classical back-line attacks start from scrums, but too often referees allow fast breaking and scrum-halves have to dive on the ball. That kills a movement dead,” Mr Bonnery said. His front-rowers, Hermet, Delphin Castanon and the hooker, Andre Malacamp, have given France fine service. However, the combination of Terry Gillman, Paul Truscott and Ray Baxendale

is also one of South's strongest factors, and Truscott out-hooked the wily John Lang, 10-3. when South upset Australia last year. Differential penalties — not yet introduced in France — varying rule interpretations and South s impressive record also persuaded Mr Bonnery not to make any bold predictions. “If possession is equally shared it will be a good game for both teams,” he said. Ces Clark, the South coach, has relied on the 1980 Kiwis, Baxendale (captaining South for the first time), Barry Edkins and Bernie Green, to brief their team-mates on what to expect. “But France is really an unknown quality. Previous sides were very flamboyant, although France has an excellent defensive reputation from recent tests,” Mr Clark said. Positional play, so costly in the 27-28 loss to Auckland last month, has been given

emphasis by Mr Clark a: training, and he said that the newcomers have moulded in without problems. “If enthusiasm counts for anything, then South will give them a go.” Mr Clark said. That virtually echoed his pre-match statement before South shocked the Australians 12 months ago. The teams for the 7.30 p.m kick-off are:— France: Jackie Imbert; Bernard Imbert, Guy Delaunay,, Philippe Fourquet, Hugues Ratier: Herve Guiraud. Yvan Greseque; Delphin Castanon. Andre Malacamp. Didier Hermet (captain). Guy Laforgue, Jose Gine; JeanJacques Vila. Reserves: Guy Alard, Pierre Gonzales. South Island: Mike Williams; David Campbell. Bernie Green. Peter Klink. Michael McEwan; Chris Menzies (vice-captain), Murray French; Terry Gillman, Paul Truscott, Ray Baxendale (captain); Wayne Dwyer, Danny Carson; Barry Edkins. Reserves: Martin Bennett. Wayne Wallace. The referee will be Mr Kevin Bailey (Auckland). 4