Five new players in squad

Press, 27 April 1983, Page 52

Five new players in squad

By

KEVIN McMENAMIN

Five newcomers, all under the age of 23, have been named in the Canterbury rugby squad to prepare for next Sunday’s game against New Zealand Universities, and for the match against Queensland in Brisbane in the middle of next month.

They are Mardy Vincent (Belfast) and Allan Lindsay (Shirley), in the backs, and Phil Robson (University A), Andy Earl (Glenmark) and Anthony Dalzell (Lincoln College) in the forwards. The unlucky players, on form at the Canterbury trials over the last fortnight, are Andrew Prattley (Ohoka), Peter McLaren (New Brighton) and. Steve Baker (Marist).

Prattley, a lock, and McLaren, a No. 8, have failed to dislodge established players in these positions, but it is Baker’s omission which gives the most cause for comment.

Not everyone will agree that he ranks as only the third best half-back in Canterbury, behind Bruce Deans (Glenmark), who filled the position for much of last season, and Lindsay, who was the Canterbury Colts half-back last season. Baker looked the sharpest of the three in the final trial last Sunday. Canterbury’s sudden wealth in big men is reflected in the selections of Earl and Dalzell. Both have experience at lock and loose forward and should give

Canterbury good cover in these positions. Robson wins the vacancy at prop created by the retirement of Bill Bush, and he has the potential to continue Canterbury’s traditional strength in this position.

The wings are interesting. Garry Hooper (Marist), who played his first game of the season last Saturday after an injury, is, as expected, retained, as also is another Marist player, Bill Anderson, who fell from favour in the latter part of last season.

They are joined by Vincent, a New Zealand under 17 representative three years ago and a player who could be a good investment for the future.

A minor surprise is that Andrew McMaster has been included as a back-up fullback to Robbie Deans. It was generally thought that this position would be covered by either Kieran Keane or Rod Latham as a utility back. A place, however, has still been found for Keane.

The full squad is.— Backs: Robbie Deans, Andrew McMaster, Garry Hooper, Bill Anderson, Mardy Vincent, Victor Simpson, Craig Green, Warwick Taylor, Kieran Keane, Wayne Smith, Allan Lindsay, Bruce Deans. Forwards: Dale Atkins, Jock Hobbs, Don Hayes, Anthony Dalzell, Andy Earl, Albert Anderson, Kerry Mitchell, Tony Thorpe, Phil Robson, Murray Davie, John Ashworth, Gwyn Williams, John Mills. Training Rugby Park Thursday, April 28, 6 p.m.