Shelford’s time has come

Press, 30 August 1986, Page 76

Shelford’s time has come

By 808 SCHUMACHER Wayne Shelford seems certain to line up for the All Blacks against Australia in the deciding rugby test at Eden Park on September 6. That the plaster cast has been removed from Shelford’s hurt hand will be welcomed by the All Black selectors, arid provided there are rib complications with the'injury, he should be in New Zealand’s team.

The delay of a w.eek in naming the All l , Black team for the match which will determine the fate of the Bledisloe Cup was, according to the selection panel convener, Brian Lo-

chore, mainly to ascertain injuries sustained in the second test.

The captain and halfback, David Kirk, and the full-back, Greg Cooper, were casualties of that test, but have since recovered and declared their fitness for Eden Park. However, the All Black selectors may well have been monitoring the progress of Shelford, who was selected for the second test team only to be ruled out through his hand injury.

Shelford, without a test cap, was one of the success stories in the Cavaliers team which toured South Africa. The North

Harbour No. 8 has weight and strength to complement his surprising speed, and those are attributes needed at the back of the New Zealand scrum.

Mike Brewer, the Otago captain, has been a diligent cover defender in that position in the first two tests, but the youthful No. 8 needs another year or two of experience and a bit more weight on his wiry frame. Brewer has been unable to scratch the surface of the Australian defence from the pick-up and barge at the back of the scrums. Although Dale Atkins has bent and buckled defences as firm as

Australia’s, he is still on the unwanted list and Shelford appears the person most capable of doing the job.

Cooper, out of confidence in his line kicking and in general play, may not get a third chance. Kieran Crowley has reportedly been in excellent form for Taranaki and another Cavalier looks ready to be reinstated.

If Brent Anderson can give enough cheek in the line-outs against either Andy Haden or Gary Whetton in today’s. Ranfurly Shield match, the Wairarapa-Bush lock may displace Murray Pierce