Giant-killer tag a burden on Canterbury

Press, 6 June 1981, Page 60

Giant-killer tag a burden on Canterbury

xC Fergie McCormick, Alex Wyllie, Tiny Hill and their provincial rugby contemporaries have unwittingly hung a millstone round the neck of the present Canterbury team.

’ That burden is the high success rate achieved by the red and blacks against overseas teams on Lancaster Park oval. Every touring side regards a Canterbury encounter as a mini test, and gears the selection of its team and its preparation accordingly. The current Scottish side is no exception, and the men of the thistle will approach this afternoon's match mindful of the bones of famous teams which lie beneath the surface of the pitch. The Canterbury selectorcoaches, Messrs Gerald Wilson and Neil Cornelius, have had their share of problems this season, but this aura of invincibility which hangs around the name of Canterbury is an added and unwelcome cross to bear.

"The pressure is really on us, because every time Canterbury plays an international team we are expected to do well and we are expected to win,” Mr Wilson said yesterday. Visiting teams made it hard for Canterbury, by not assessing the merits of each side dispassionately but assuming that the province churned out giant-killing combinations continuously, he said. "They are always very conscious of Canterbury’s record.” Mr Wilson denied that his side had Jekyll and Hyde characteristics; it did, after all, beat Sydney and finished two points away from Queensland, but then drew with West Coast. "Our side requires the appropriate build-up with the right kind of atmosphere for the game, and you can’t get

that by sitting in a bus for five Hours.” he said, referring to the alpine trip to Greymouth. “But I feel our players underestimated West Coast, and I went on record over there when I said it was the best West Coast side I had seen for many years. There are six changes in the side since then and it could make a big difference.” Gerald Wilson and Neil Cornelius recognised earlier this year that the Canterbury team had three peaks to scale — the Australian trip, the Scottish match, and the national championship games, including a Ranfurly Shield challenge. They are approaching the second challenge with players who were heavily committed last week-end with club, games and the Town-Country fixture. But the preparation was rounded off satisfactorily with a solid run on Thursday, ahd the coaches expect a bold effort. "The players are showing a more mature approach this year, and that was evident in Australia,” Mr Wilson said. "Those in their first year find it hard to realise just what they are up against. But basically the players in this team are the same Neil and I had faith in last year.” Mr Wilson also said that the captain, Don Hayes, showed far more confidence this year, and a greater appreciation of what was required on the field. “I am sure the public will note a difference in his leadership.” Mr Cornelius confirmed that Dave White, the Lincoln College captain, would take his place at lock in the Canterbury side. He des-

cribed him as being in "fine fettle.” White and the All Black lock, Graeme Higginson, are both usually positioned at No. 3 in the line-out, but Mr Cornelius and White would start as three. “We'll see how it goes,” he said cagily. "We have enough flexibility in the ranks to alter positions as the situation demands.” The possibility of a greasy surface did not deter Canterbury, and the side was mindful of the size of the task confronting it, he said. “The boys are looking forward to the match. They realise it will be tough; Scotland is a good team and with the forwards improving with every match it will be hard up front. “The Scots will want to win from the tour point of view and with a test coming up, but we hope that the high class opposition will bring out the best in our team.” The Canterbury forwards should do well at the rucking and driving game, and much will depend on the performance of Steve Scott, a halfback. But then there is Andy Irvine. No side playing against this gifted attacking full-back can plot a course with genuine conviction because the wiry Scot can turn a match upside down in just a few seconds of impudent running. So Canterbury will need to be concerned more over Irvine’s movements than in keeping the provincial reputation afloat when the match begins at 2.30 p.m. The teams are:— Scotland: Irvine (captain); Steve Munro, Jim Renwick, Alastair Cranston, Bruce Hay; John Rutherford, Roy Laidlaw; lain Paxton; Jim Calder, Alan Tomes. Bill Cuthbertson, David Leslie; lain Milne, Colin Deans, Jim Aitken. Canterbury; Robbie Deans; Randal Scott, Vic Sirtipson, Brett Oetgen; Kieran Keane, Wayne Smith; Steve Scott; Petek McLaren; Jock Hobbs, Higginson, White, Hayes (captain); Murray Davie, Mick Powley, John Ashworth. Referee: Mr Colin Gregan (Waikato).