John Hart critical

Press, 30 September 1986, Page 32

John Hart critical

PA Auckland The successful Ranfurly Shield rugby coach, John Hart, has criticised the All Blacks selection for France saying “it lacks vision.” This was Mr Hart’s chief complaint of the 26man touring team named on Sunday, other than the relegation of David Kirk from the captaincy.

Mr Hart said Kirk’s leadership qualities were proven again on Saturday and one of the worst aspects about the elevation of Jock Hobbs in Kirk’s place was that it prejudged the test selection.

Hobbs, Mr Hart firmly believed, was an inferior

open-side flanker to Mark Brooke-Cowden. It might sound odd for Mr Hart and Aucklanders to be too critical of' a touring party to which they have contributed 10 players. But it was a fact that of the unlucky players three were from Auckland — the full-back, Greg Cooper, the second fiveeighths, Kurt Sherlock, and flanker, Alan Whetton. The omission of Whetton in particular has irked the Auckland coach whose side turned back its stiffest challenge of the season on Saturday beating Canterbury, 28-15.

“Whetton’s more than unlucky,” Mr Hart said.

“That’s an injustice. It would be an absolute crying shame if the numbers told against us and I hope that hasn’t been a factor.” Three players who probably were never serious contenders but who were outstanding in Saturday’s shield match were the No. Bs, Dale Atkins and Michael Jones, and Canterbury’s half-back Bruce Deans. So well did Deans play he might well have displaced Dean Kenny while Wairarapa-Bush’s Marty Berry, after being so comprehensively outplayed by Sherlock in last month’s shield match, might also consider his selection fortunate.