Strong squad for northern tour

Press, 19 August 1983, Page 32

Strong squad for northern tour

Apart from Andrew McMaster and Phil Robson, both of whom have pressing engagements with the New Zealand Colts, Canterbury will have a full-strength squad for its three-match North Island rugby tour this month.

Twenty-one players have been named in the squad which opens its tour with the match against Waikato at Hamilton on August 24. Canterbury’s second game is against Bay of Plenty at Whakatane on August 27 and the tour ends with the match against Counties at Pukekohe on August 31. The New Brighton first five-eighths, Wayne Burleigh, has gained a place in the squad, replacing Kieran Keane, who suffered a broken leg when taken in a late tackle against North

Auckland. His inclusion was predictable after a number of polished performances in recent weeks for Town XVs and Canterbury B.

Rob Mclntosh, who made three appearances for Canterbury A last season, has also stood out for Town and Canterbury B teams this season, and his selection as the replacement prop for Robson was expected.

The full touring squad is:— Backs: Robbie Deans, Garry Hooper, Craig Green, Vic Simpson, Warwick Taylor, Rod Latham, Burleigh, Allan Lindsay, Bruce Deans. Forwards: John Ashworth, Murray Davie, Gwynne Williams, John Mills, Albert Anderson, Tony Thorpe, Kerry Mitchell, Andy Earl, Dale Atkins, Don Hayes, Jock Hobbs, Mclntosh. Training at Rugby Park, 6 p.m., Monday, August 22.