We will come back, says Bryce Rope

Press, 10 November 1983, Page 38

We will come back, says Bryce Rope

From

DON CAMERON

“The All Blacks lost at Munster in 1978 and came back. They lost at Otley in 1979 and came back. We have lost here at Leicester but we will come back.”-

This was the prediction of Bryce Rope, the All Black coach, after his team lost, 13-19, to Midlands at Leicester yesterday morning. It also marked Mr Rope’s first loss as the All Black coach in 10 matches this year. “Midlands played a great game,” said Mr Rope. “They were the first team on this tour whose backs have run at us and it is going to be a great help for us in preparing for the two tests. “Our great problem was that we lost the ball so often. I suppose there were ten times we drove forward and then lost the ball. We had enough territorial advantage and possession in the second half to win the game had we finished off our moves.”

“Well there goes our track record out the window,” said Stuart Wilson, the All Black captain, after the game. “Midlands played well, they took their limited .opportunities to score points and we didn't. “Still, we gave it our best shot. I guess this is the kind of time when the All Black coach hears the sword starting to swish through the air and the players feel it coming even closer,” Wilson said.