Forward control saluted

Press, 13 September 1982, Page 21

Forward control saluted

"The inherent strength of New Zealand rugby," was how Mr Bob Dwyer, the Wallabies coach, termed the All Blacks’ convincing ball control in the third and final test at Eden Park. He described the ballhandling in the tight-loose play as ‘'phenomenal." and said this was the decisive factor in the home side’s win. "I felt we played well in the first half, and might even have had a further nine points in that period.” he said. "But in the end the drive and control of the New Zealand forwards told, and Allan Hewson had a day I hope he never has against us again.” Smiling bravely in the face of defeat. Mr Dwyer said the team had developed splendidly on tour, and the form of many young players was encouraging for the future of Australian rugby. He singled out Phillip Cox and David Campese for consistently good rugby on the tour, and said (hat | Steve Williams, a lock, had the capacity to rise from being a good player to a great one. The New Zealand coach.

Mr Peter Burke, said he had wanted a top All Black performance at Eden Park, and that was what had happened. The second test loss had acted as the spur to New Zealand's performance, and the superb play of the pack, the magnificent kicking of Allan Hewson, and the sound, basic play of the other backs brought about a memorable victory, he said. “And I want to congratulate the Aussies for making it a great series. We certainly did not want to lose two tests in a row to them, and drop a home series in the process. But they played good rugby and put us on oujmettle." The Australian captain, Mark Ella, said his side could look back with satisfaction on a rewarding tour, on which the Wallabies had tried to play the running game and provide entertaining as well as winning rugby. There were no grumbles in the ranks at losing the decisive third test of the series. “There is not much you can do when the All Black pack is rolling along as it was today,” he said.