British failed to show full potential

Press, 13 June 1984, Page 34

British failed to show full potential

Hundreds of New Zealanders side-stepped Television New Zealand’s disinterest in the Ashes Cup rugby league series to watch the first test between Australia and Great Britain from the Sydney Cricket ground last Saturday. They saw a dramatic encounter “live” by means of satellite receiving dishes installed at accommodation facilities in Auckland and Christchurch. And they did not even have to put up with advertising distractions during the Australian Broadcasting Corporation coverage.

What little news coverage was shown by TVNZ, 24 hours later, concentrated as much on fighting as football.

There were a number of ugly incidents, the worst being a wild brawl which erupted from the first scrum. Later, an English forward appeared to stomp on the Australian captain, Wally Lewis. Uninjured in the incident, Lewis went on to inspire Australia to its 25-8 victory with a truly brilliant performance. Lee Crooks, of Britain, and his opposing prop, Greg Dowling, spent lOmin in the sin-bin after trading punches. All of the excitement, and the certainty of defeat, seemed too much for the British replacement for-

ward, David Hobbs, who thoroughly deserved his permanent dismissal for using an elbow in a tackle of the Kangaroo hooker, Greg Conescu. While a stretcher was being sought for Conescu, the television commentators were informed by the timekeepers that just Is remained. All Hobbs got for his Bmin on the field was the release of some pent-up energy, a three-match suspension, a SAustlOOO fine, a reputation that will do him no good for the rest of the tour, and, one hopes, a severe dressing down from his management. Although Australia eventually had the flair and the finishing power to gain a quite decisive winning margin, the outcome was by no means certain midway through the second half. The try scored by Garry Schofield to bring Britain up to 8-12, was undoubtedly the best of the match. It was the product of the dazzling foot-wcrk of the British right wing, Des Drummond, who zipped and zapped away from the clutches of six opponents to find Schofield unmarked in mid-field.

Only victory could have made Schofield’s test debut in Australia more memorable. The captain of the British amateur youth side

in this country last winter, Schofield became, by some days, the youngest British international on Australian soil — replacing another 18-year-old, Alex Murphy, in the record books. Schofield started in the centres, but was switched to Murphy’s old scrum-half role when Neil Holding had to be assisted off with a leg injury early in the game. It was to be a crippling blow for the tourists, for Holding had been most effective in his running and in keeping his marker, Mark Murray, restrained. The British forwards clearly have the size and youth to physically trouble the Australian and New Zealand packs. They did not have the speed of thought and foot, though, to be very effective when in possession, and will probably appreciate the prospect of softer grounds in New Zealand.

But there is no denying the pace of the British backs. Drummond, the other wing, Ellery Hanley, Schofield, Holding and the substitute, Joe Lydon, were at least as fast as the men they opposed. Only once were they able to flummox the tight Australian defence, when Drummond weaved his magic to create Schofield’s try. JOHN COFFEY