Test of endurance for Mike Brewer

Press, 12 August 1986, Page 38

Test of endurance for Mike Brewer

PA Dunedin Mike Brewer and his players can expect another energy-sapping contest when Otago plays Wellington in the national chamiponship rugby match at Carisbrook this afternoon. The Otago captain and All Black No. 8 will be playing his fourth big game in 11 days, and it shapes as a test of endurance for Brewer and his forwards. Despite its excellent drainage system Carisbrook will provide heavy

going after persistent rain in recent days, and Otago will be confronted by a powerful Wellington pack which will command a useful height and weight advantage. Wellington will take the field as favourite on the basis of its third placing in the first division last year, and its almost unblemished record against Otago since the championship began in 1976. Otago’s only success against Wellington in the history of the championship was at Carisbrook

two years ago when it

won, 20-15. Otago has won three of its four first division matches this year, including the “double” on its North Island tour with its only loss this year to newly promoted Taranaki. Wellington has won five of its eight games this season, with wins in the South Pacific Championship over blew South Wales (32-13) and Fiji (43-17) before narrowly losing to Queensland (1617).

There are five All Blacks in the Wellington line-up — Kevin Boroevich and the Cavaliers, Mike Clamp, Steven Pokere, Murray Pierce and Scott Crichton — all of whom will be intent on making a strong impression on the All Black selector, Tiny Hill, who will be present at the match. Brian McGrattan withdrew from the Wellington team yesterday because he has not fully recovered from the effects of the

test at Athletic Park, and Crichton comes into the team in his place. Boroevich will switch to the loose-head side to enable Crichton to pack down at tight-head, his specialist position.

With Allan Hewson unavailable for first-class rugby at present the versatile John Gallagher moves to full-back from the threequarters, and Lolani Koko is back on the wing after breaking his jaw in a match in Western Samoa in June. The teams are.—

Otago: David Hamilton; Paul Turner, John Waldron, Warren Matene, Rhys Ellison, Lindsay Smith; Dean Kenny; Mike Brewer (captain); Dave Callon, Brent Pope, Richard Knight, Andy Hollander or Rob Gordon; Steve Hotton, Ken Bloxham, Trevor McLennan.

Wellington: John Gallagher; Lolani Koko, Denis Tocker, Mike Clamp, John Shuster, Steven Pokere; Neil Sorensen; Murray Mexted; Dirk Williams, Mark Hudson, Gerard Wilkinson, Murray Pierce, Paul McKay, Kevin Boroevich (captain), Scott Crichton.