Wallabies aim for greater solidity

Press, 9 September 1982, Page 32

Wallabies aim for greater solidity

By

JOHN BROOKS

In spite of vividly phrased feelings of frustration and disillusionment by the Australian rugby coach, Mr Bob Dwyer, over his players, little tampering has been done with the test team for the final game against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.

Mr Dwyer described his men as “ill disciplined" and “absolutely bloody hopeless" after an * unconvincing win against North Auckland in the penultimate match of the tour earlier this week. In jarticular. he lambasted David Campese, the teenage wing who has been the biggest discovery in the 14game visit. But after close consideration of the options open to them, the Australian selectors. Mr Dwyer, Dr "Chilla" Wilson and Mark Ella, made only two alterations to the Wallaby side that won the second test in Wellington to tie the series. One of the changes was forced on them - that of the experienced lock. Duncan Hall, whose back injury of the Athletic Park test eased him out of consideration. The replacement is Phil Clements, an uncapped Sydney player who has been a solid grafter in the tight in his six tour matches. This craggy lock was chosen ahead of the young beanpole. Steve Cutler, who played the second half of the test in

Wellington atter Halt s retirement. The other change is at outside centre, where Gary Ella, who played in the first two internationals, has given way to Andrew Slack, the seasoned Queensland midfielder. Although emerging as the Wallabies’ top centre in Britain last northern winter. Slack has been bothered by the 'dreaded hamstring strain in. New Zealand, and the youngest Ella seized the chance to make his mark. The selection of Slack and Clements is an indication that the Australians will strive for improved order and discipline, in an effort to reduce their error rate. The try which Graham Mourie scored in Christchurch after Wallaby bumbling still rankles with the tourists. Since the second test win. the Australians have lost the vigorous momentum developed earlier. Losses to Bay of Plenty and Counties preceded the hesitant win in Whangarei. and the visitors are faced with the task of motivating themselves to the previous lofty level.

As a starting point, they have adhered as closely as possible to the winning team of Wellington, turning aside from the temptation of fielding the three Ellas for barnstorming back attacks, or Ross Reynolds and Stan Pilecki for more spectacular forward play. Much will still depend on the fitness of Mark Ella, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury for a week, and the ability of the forwards to withstand a heavy serving of rucking and driving from the All Black pack. From the way Mr Peter Burke, the New Zealand coach, has been talking in Taranaki, the All Blacks will be breathing fire when they run on to Eden Park. The Australian test team is: Roger Gould: Campese. Slack. Michael Hawker. Peter Grigg; Ella (captain). Phillip Cox: Peter Lucas; Chris Roche. Steve Williams. Clements, Simon Poidevin; Andrew Mclntyre. Lance Walker. John Meadows. Reserves. Glen and Gary Elia. Dominic Vaughan; Pilecki. Reynolds. Bruce Malouf.