Dedicated side predicted against Pumas

Press, 3 October 1985, Page 40

Dedicated side predicted against Pumas

NZPA staff correspondent in Wellington Strong competition for test places and an innate wariness of Argentine rugby will produce a tight and committed All Black team on its coming tour there, the half-back, Dave Loveridge, said yesterday.

Loveridge, returning to international rugby after a layoff forced by injury, anticipates a demanding but stimulating tour on which no love is lost in a battle for test berths.

“Everyone goes on tour with the object of winning a test place,” he said. “It’s a healthy thing that

players have that attitude. If everyone is competing for positions, their individual performances and the performance of the team is improved.” Loveridge will attempt to regain No. 1 status at halfback on tour, a status he was forced to yield when sidelined by injury after the series against Britain in 1983.

“I’m keen to play test rugby again,” he said, “but I don’t want it to sound like an overbearing ambition. You don’t go on tour prepared to play second fiddle. “You have to make your own bid for selection, and I think everyone on this tour will be doing that.” Loveridge said the size of the All Black tour party — 30 players and the length of the tour — seven matches — will add to the competition.

Fewer matches exist for a greater number of players to establish themselves. “As far as the half-back berth goes, Kirky (David Kirk) would have to have the inside running. He played tests against England and Australia this season, so he’s the man in

the position at the moment. “The current test players will all have the easiest road, and the guys who haven’t played tests recently will have their work cut out.

“They’ll have to stake their claim early on, in the first couple of matches, if they want to be considered by the time the tests come around.”

Loveridge has less reason than most members of the All Black side to underestimate Hugo Porta’s Pumas.

He led a New Zealand 15 against them in two home internationals in 1979, and has had an on-and-off association with Porta in invitation matches around the world. Loveridge’s respect for Porta is that of a half-back for an admired opponent and coveted associate.

“The first game I played this season was with Hugo in Auckland, and I’ve played with him in a couple of other invitation matches.

“He’s respected worldwide, not only in Argentina and New Zealand, and I would say he is the top first five I have come across.”