Australian backs could seriously upset All Blacks

Press, 30 July 1982, Page 26

Australian backs could seriously upset All Blacks

By

JOHN BROOKS

The largely untried Wallabies could seriously trouble the All Blacks in the three-match rugby test series, starting in Christchurch next month, if they put emphasis on their Houdini-type passing among the backs.

That was the opinion of the man almost certain to lead New Zealand in the internationals, Graham Mourie, and his provincial coach, Mr Bill Batchelor, after the Australians had beaten Taranaki by a point in their first tour match, at New Plymouth, on Wednesday. “I think the New Zealand forwards will excel in the tight in the tests, but the Australians are brilliant when moving the ball, wide," he said. "They have got a long w r ay to go yet. but if they maintain the attitude they showed in. the second half against Taranaki they will be hard to beat." Mourie was impressed by the efforts of the backs, describing them as big and strong, with the ability to either break the defence or remain upright in the tackle. “There is work to be done on the front five, but that is to be expected so early in the tour," he said. Similar admiration for the backs was expressed by Mr Batchelor. “They are strong, and they like to get the ball moving," he observed. "Once they get it clear they are dangerous." But he did not despair of

New Zealand's chances in the tests. "If the All Black forwards control the ball, and drive it before giving it to their backs, then New Zealand will win." Optimism flowed readily from the Australian coach, Mr Bob Dwyer, who rated his team's victory as the most important thing. “I think it is heartening that onlj’ a few small improvements need to be effected for us to give a convincing displaj-,” he said. “We were tentative in the first half line-outs, but we improved in the middle and front of the line later, and we went well in the scrums — there were no problems there." “We might have missed some tackles, but lots of guys were trying to make them, and the ball carrier was eventually stopped. It is good that we have got that enthusiasm on defence.” Mr Dwyer was chiefly encouraged by the efforts of the backs to implement his plan of keeping the ball in the hand. Obviously, Mark Ella and Roger Gould will play major roles in this approach as the tour develops.

The clever Ella intrigued the Taranaki defenders with his quickness of foot and his uncanny anticipation. On one occasion he made a dab'on the blind-side and then popped up outside Tim Lane at inside centre to promote a second thrust on the open side. Even Mourie had to raise a quizzical eyebrow over that effort. Gould, a full-back who obviously ate up all his porridge as a youngster, rumbled into the back movements with an intensity of purpose which should test most New Zealand defences. He failed to master a swirling wind, and missed all his four kicks at goal before handing over to Lane, but his line kicking lived up to all the advance publicity — one hefty punt bit off 60 metres of territory. And when he ran with the ball, his ability to pick the right path seemed almost inborn. He played a leading role in the two tries scored by Ella. So now the All Blacks are in no doubt over how the Australians will play the game. The main problem, as in 1980, will be how to check those bewildering thrusts in midfield.