Revenge for rugby loss?

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 14

Revenge for rugby loss?

The New Zealand secondary schols rugby team will have a chance to extract some revenge for the loss suffered by the All Blacks last Saturday when it plays its Australian counterparts at Rugby Park on Sunday. And, judging by previous results, New Zealand should have a distinct advantage. In each of the last six encounters of what has become an annual fixture the home team has been the victor.

New Zealand’s wins have been at Auckland in 1978, Lower Hutt in 1982 and Auckland in 1984. Australia carried the day at Canberra in 1980, Sydney in 1983 and Brisbane last year.

Both teams have toured the British Isles in the last two years, with similar records. New Zealand beat the four' Home Unions apart from Wales, while Australia also beat England, Ireland and Scotland, but did not play Wales.

Although the Australian side has had the benefit of a tour to prepare itself, New Zealand has already played a “test” this year. It was very impressive in beating Japan, 44-13, last month.

However, the Australians are sure to provide much tougher opposition and the opportunity to add the Trusteebank Trophy — the symbol of trans-Tasman secondary school rugby — to the Bledisloe Cup will be a great incentive.