Young All Blacks ‘raring to go’

Press, 9 October 1985, Page 72

Young All Blacks ‘raring to go’

NZPA staff correspondent Wellington The New Zealand rugby selector, Mr Tiny Hill, yesterday expressed delight on the eve of the All Blacks departure for Argentina that talented young players were fast emerging into top ranks., Victor Simpson, Steve McDowell, Wayne Shelford, Kurt Sherlock and Bruce Hemara - New Zealand Emerging tourists this winter - had made it to the AH Blacks. Mr HUI was philosophical, (“that’s the way it goes”), that some of the other new breed of rising rugby stars could not go to Argentina. The AH Blacks team named for the aborted South African trek was retained for the replacement Argentinitm tour. “They’ll all be rearing to go next winter. They will get their chance when Australia comes here and well

probably tour away at the end of the season,” Mr HUI said. 1... “Terry Wright hasbeen playing extremely weU for Auckland. He’s reaUy progressed this season.” 4 Dean Kenny, Franp Bbtica and lan Wood were other Emerging backs who could make their move to as higher level if their rate of 5 progress continues next winter, he said. “Strapping young Gordon Macpherson has served Otago very weU, and the other lock, Paul Tuoro, seemed to come right in the second half against Auckland on Saturday,” Mr HUI said. “Andy Earl gets better with every game. He has a solid future, and it may not be long before he goes right to the top.” • ~ The bright young Otago skipper, and No.B, Mike Brewer, and the talented fullback, Greg Cooper, also-

rated among HUl’s long list of most promising players. “We’ve got all those positions covered, but we’re stUl looking for a fast loose forward, a ball hunter, someone like Frank Shelford,” he said. The new All Black selector, Mr Colin Meads, agrees. “It’s a problem all through New Zealand. Mark Brook-Cowden (Auckland) has come on and Dave Trombik (Counties) 'looks pretty good. But you take away Jock Hobbs and Frank Shelford and we’re pretty thin at the back of the lineout,” Mr Meads said. “Even at colts level, there aren’t many fast loosies. Brewer’s very promising of course,” he said. Brewer led the New Zealand Colts to a convincing win over the Australian Colts at Eden Park on June 29. “Being captain of his province at only 21 was a great

achievement for him too.” Manawatu’s young sprint champion, Simon Clavis, who has impressed as a New Zealand schoolboys wing, also rated a mention by Mr Meads. “He looked pretty good last time I saw Manawatu,” he said. “Some players have grabbed their chances this year. Take out half a dozen of the so-called veterans of the AH Blacks side at the moment, and you have got a pretty young side.” Both Messrs HUI and Meads were reUeved to learn that the New Zealand Rugby Union had placed greater emphasis on the Emerging Players tour for next year. The Emerging Players will take priority over New Zealand Maori, Ranfnrly Shield, AU Black trial and inter-island fixtures. “They (the N.Z.R.U.) must have taken notice pf our

plight,” said Mr Hill, coach of this year’s Emerging Players. “I was pretty upset when the team got to Taumarunui without six guys, called away for another game. It weis hopeless,” he said. Messrs HUI and Meads locked the scrum in both tests on New Zealand’s 1957 tour of Australia, and they wUI get their heads together again as All Black selectors next winter, with the convenor, Mr Brian Lochore. “It’s a big thrill to become an AU Black selector,” said Meads who had his name put forward several times. Mr HUI said that the selectors had always got on well. “We are a happy lot. Communication is the big thing”. Mr Meads said Mr HUI was the AU Blacks’ vicecaptain in Australia, and was his first forward leader in international rugby.