Further talks on lineouts

Press, 3 August 1981, Page 30

Further talks on lineouts

PA Palmerston North New Zealand lineout interpretations are still worrying the coach of the Springbok rugby team, Mr Nelie Smith. He said at the post-match press conference to Saturday’s game between South Africa and Manawatu that he wanted to hold further discussions with top New Zealand referees concerning the lineouts. He was unwilling to specify which particular aspects of the lineout law were concerning him, although the recent rugby history between New Zealanders and South Africans has included allegations of lifting by New Zealanders. Commenting on Mr Smith’s request for a meeting, the referee of Saturday’s game, Mr Cliff Dainty, of Wellington, said he did not

see any great problmes affecting the Springboks in this area.

“I did penalise both teams for binding onto a man before the ball had been touched in the lineouts,” he said.

Mr Dainty did not comment on the lifting issue.

The coach of the Manawatu team, Mr Graham Hamer, echoed remarks made by a veteran Taranaki lock forward that the Springboks dived over the ball in rucks and loose mauls. “This is inclined to kill the ball and the referees might not be so lenient on them in future,” Mr Hamer said. Commenting on the Manawatu coach’s statement regarding the rucks and mauls, Mr Dainty said he found no problems with the Springboks in this area.