Wallaby replacement

Press, 25 July 1986, Page 36

Wallaby replacement

NZPA staff correspondent Palmerston North

Craig Morton, a customs officer, of Canberra, will join the Wallaby rugby team today as a replacement for the injured wing, lan Williams. Morton, aged 24, will enlarge the group of untried players in the Australian team and may play as early as tomorrow on the whim of the coach, Alan Jones.

“I may play him on Saturday against Manawatu,’ Mr Jones said. ‘lf not, certainly on Wednesday. “Craig is a very exciting prospect He is fast and has the ability to beat a player on both sides.

“I chose him for the Sport Aid Sevens at Cardiff in May and he had an

astonishing debut. I think he scored four or five tries and I told him then he was front line. “I’m sure he is the sort of player who will improve through constant exposure to top rugby.' Morton replaces Williams who tore cartilages and damaged medial ligaments in his left knee during Australia’s match against Waikato on Wednesday. Normally a full-back or centre, Morton may be called to fill the wing spot, the position he plays in representative matches for the Australian Capital Territory. The Australian manager, Mr Ken Grayling, said Williams had made some progress and would remain with the team

though he was unlikely to play for up to 12 days. If Mr Jones drafts Morton into his team for tomorrow's match, his callup would necessitate changes to the side named after training yesterday.

The tourists named a side of nearly test strength for their match at the Palmerston North Showgrounds. The prop, Mark Harthill, and the flanker, Julian Gardner, were new caps. The Wallaby team to play Manawatu is: Glen Ella, Peter Grigg, Andrew Slack (captain), Matt Burke, Brett Papworth, Michael Lynagh, Nick Farr-Jones, Steve Tuynman, Bill Calcraft, Ross Reynolds, Bill Campbell, Julian Gardner, Mark Harthill, Tom Lawton, Enrique Rodriguez.