Lochore makes late run for All Black panel

Press, 11 October 1982, Page 40

Lochore makes late run for All Black panel

By

JOHN BROOKS

Back in 1971, Brian Lochore caused a great sensation in rugbv circles by emerging from retirement at about 24 hours notice to play in a test match against the Lions.

His sense of the dramatic obviouslv has not deserted him. for’he beat the deadline by only a few minutes in announcing his candidacy for the New Zealand selection panel. The belated decision by this craggy Wairarapa farmer-footballer to toss his hat into the selectorial ring brings an intriguing touch to the contest for places on the three-man panel. The retirement of the convener. Mr Peter Burke, has left his two colleagues. Messrs Bryce Rope and Stan Hill, in the running for the top position. But Mr Lochore, a man of much mana in rugby, poses a distinct threat to them, as well as being a likely candidate for a place on the panel proper. The situation to be faced by the New Zealand Rugby Union’s council in Auckland this Friday will challenge conventional attitudes. Traditionally, the senior selector in terms of service among the candidates is favoured, but in the present circumstances Mr Rope is nowhere near as well known as either

"Tiny" Hill or Brian Lochore. both’ All Blacks of high calibre in their playing days. Although he has accomplished good work in guiding the fortunes of the New Zealand Colts. Mr Rope has not been active at provincial level. But Mr Hill had a solid term as Canterbury selectorcoach before his elevation, and Mr Lochore is respected for the manner in which he steered the lowly-rated Wairarapa-Bush side to promotion to the first division. Perhaps the most acceptable solution would be to choose the urbane Mr Rope as convener, with Mr Hill delegated to coach the All Blacks and groom Mr Lochore as his successor. But it would take a force eight tremor through the council before that came to pass. The list of candidates for the selection panel will be released by the national body today. Nominations closed on Friday evening, but the union delayed an announcement to allow further possible names to be received by mail over the week-end. Nominations can also be made from the

floor of the council’s meeting. Mr Lochore said at the week-end that he had been "talked into" allowing his name to go forward. He said the persuasiveness came from "everyone in general." and this had caused him to change his mind. As late as Friday morning he was quoted as being unavailable for a post on the panel. However, the background details are insignificant compared with Mr Lochore’s decision to stand. He is respected for his knowledge, ability and uncompromising approach, and although not as steely-eyed as Mr Hill he still commands the attention of players. And there does seem to be some backing for him in higher circles — particularly after his great contemporary, Colin Meads, struck quicksand as coach of the vanquished North Island team and the losing All Black trial side. The coach of the winning combination in the latter game just happened to be Mr Lochore. An elimination bout, perhaps?