Cruel game—coach

Press, 22 June 1981, Page 19

Cruel game—coach

The All Blacks did not play as well as they did against Wales last year in beating Scotland on Saturday, according to the Scottish coach, Mr Jim Telfer. “Rugby is a cruel game in some wavs,” he said at Eden Park. “It is the end score that is important vet today’s did not reflect the extent of our effort. “But the All Blacks deserve credit for their ability to keep the game moving, especially in the area 15yd in from touch.” Mr Telfer attributed the New Zealand win to the skill and experience of its outside backs but he thought that Scotland's forwards had done as well, if not better, than their rivals, with particular success in rucks and mauls.

"The All Blacks didn't play as well as they- did against Wales because they weren't so dominant up front.” But in spite of Scotland’s big loss both Mr Telfer and the manager, Mr Ken Smith, found encouragement in the way the side had shaped up on its eightmatch New Zealand tour. Mr Smith said that definite development had been achieved and that

Scotland should give a good account of itself in the next Five Nations championship. He named fain Paxton, a young No. 8 who was not an original choice for the tour, as one player who had come on “tremendously well.” He was proud of the players for adjusting quickly to New Zealand conditions. “We came here to take them on in the forwards, and apart

from the Wellington match we did well.” The game in New Zealand now had more flow than in Britain, where it was more of a stopstart variety. Referees had allowed play to develop, and Scotland had appreciated the opportunities. Mr Telfer said, “Whether we can do 'the same in Britain is another matter.”