Rugby union breaks an old tradition

Press, 3 November 1984, Page 80

Rugby union breaks an old tradition

NZPA

Wellington

Bryce Rope, the guiding hand behind nine All Black wins and a draw in 12 tests over the past two seasons, has been dropped as the All Black coach, and Brian Lochore named as his successor for the 1985 season.

The Wairarapa farmer won the coaching position yesterday in a decision by the New Zealand Rugby Union Council, which is certain to be seen as a reaffirmation of its determination to press ahead with the scheduled tour of South Africa next year.

Those who had backed Mr Lochore for the job pointed to the former All Black captain’s playing experience in South Africa during his 25-test career between 1963 and 1971.

They also claimed that the gentlemanly Mr Rope, despite recording series wins against the British Lions, France and Australia, lacked the toughness and experience of South African conditions to guide the All Blacks to their first ever test series win in the republic.

The N.Z.R.F.U. chairman, Mr Ces Blazey, last night declined to disclose details of the voting for the coaching job which was done behind closed doors. But he said only one ballot had been required. Mr Rope and Mr Tiny Hill, retain their positions on the three-man selection panel. Mr Blazey would also not comment on discussion leading up to the ballots, but the N.Z.R.F.U. councillors, while not obliged to, clearly took notice of the nominations of the 26 member unions.

Only four unions, Wellington, Wanganui, Otago and Bay of Plenty, nominated Mr Rope and the incumbent selection panel. TweLve of the 20 unions which forwarded names opted for Despite that figure, and

the strong campaign which has been waged by his supporters, Mr Lochore said his elevation was “a bit of a surprise.”

“The biggest decision I took was when I agreed to have my name go forward. Since then, I’ve simply had to wait and see,” he said.

Mr Lochore, who has always been Mr Rope’s heir apparent, declined to speculate on whether his playing experience in South Africa had been the telling factor. But he was in no doubt that any All Black coach would face an extremely testing time in the republic. “If the tour goes ahead, it’ll be a mighty hard test series to win. The record books show that the Springboks are always very hard opponents at home,” he said. Mr Lochore said it was “a bit early to say” whether his coaching style would substantially change the All Black style of play developed by Mr Rope. “But every coach is

slightly different. My philosophy is that rugby is a 15man game and all players should be used both on attack and defence,” he said.

That philosophy was used initially to take WairarapaBush from a lowly provincial standing to respectable first division status, developing young players and a keen team understanding along the way. This year, Mr Lochore coached the New Zealand colts whose record was blemished by a “test” loss against the Australian colts in Sydney.

There is certain to be a strong degree of sympathy for Mr Rope who has been dropped despite enjoying a very good record as coach, while also bringing through a whole new crop of young All Blacks. Altogether, All Black teams under his control lost just three games — against the' Midlands and England last year, and Australia this season — in 35 outings. Mr Rope had frequently stated his wish to finish his career as coach next year with a series win in South Africa. Earlier next season, the All Blacks will play two home tests against England and a match against the Wallabies at Auckland. The N.Z.R.F.U. Council also discussed, but rejected, a proposal from Auckland for an assistant coach to be appointed for All Black tours. Mr Blazey said there were obvious problems of compatibility in appointing two men to guide the All Blacks — a point made recently by Mr Lochore himself.