Sorensen, Ropati too strong

Press, 23 June 1986, Page 38

Sorensen, Ropati too strong

By

JOHN COFFEY

The extraordinary blending of strength and speed which characterise the rugby league performances of Joe Ropati and Kurt Sorensen proved too much for Southern Zone in the final New Zealand trial at the Addington Show Grounds yesterday. Ropati and Sorensen scored five tries between them as The Rest dominated the middle stages of an entertaining match to beat Southern, 28-18. Back to his rampaging best in the centres, Ropati had Southern opponents clinging to him in vain on all three occasions that he surged across the try-line.

The even more awesome Sorensen must have the appearance of a trainee sumo wrestler with a solid background in sprint training to his rivals, so effectively does he make use of his natural assets.

Sorensen needed only 41 minutes to contribute his two tries and there was a noticeable fall-off in The Rest’s forward penetration after his departure. But for the power of Ropati and Sorensen in try-scoring situations, and its own inability to capitalise on gilt-edged opportunities, Southern would have won the trial and perhaps boosted the tour prospects of its individual members. When the Kiwi side to travel to Australia and Papua New Guinea was announced about an hour after full-time, all but two of The Rest players — the Canterbury forward, John Green, and the Auckland hooker, Tracy McGregor — were included. Only four Southern contenders, all forwards (Wayne Wallace, Brent Todd, Adrian Shelford and Sam Stew-

art), were chosen. It had been a creditable display by Southern, though. Southern had much the better of the opening quarter, which was highlighted by Todd’s latest try at first-class level. The southerners also ran on more strongly, but frittered away a succession of scoring situations late in the second spell. Todd and Shelford confirmed the high reputations they earned in Britain and France with the 1985 Kiwis. Their tackle counts were imposing, Todd slipped many passes from difficult positions, and Shelford bowed only to Sorensen in the impetus of his running. A number of the Southern backs also distinguished themselves in comparison to what was soon to become an allKiwi back-line. Willie Tangira, a lively wing from Taranaki, caused concern to The Rest cover defenders, while Robert Moimoi, on the other wing, and the West Coast centre, Boyd Kilkelly, were not overshadowed. Apart from Joe Ropati and Sorensen, the lively halves, Tea Ropati and Glen Donaldson, and the efficient Ron O’Regan, at loose forward, impressed for The Rest. Green was as prominent as any of the other forward candidates from that team. Details.— The Rest 28 (Joe Ropati three, Kurt Sorensen two, Mark Bourneville tries; Tea Ropati, Joe Ropati goals) beat Southern Zone 18 (Brent Todd, Gerard Katene, Willie Tangira tries; Katene three goals). Half-time, 20-6. Scrums, 10-10 (tightheads 11). Penalties, Southern, 11-10. Referee, Mr R. Brott. “Man of match" awards, Todd, Joe Ropati.