Kangaroos inspire Mr Gordon

Press, 18 December 1986, Page 29

Kangaroos inspire Mr Gordon

PA Wellington The Australian rugby league team’s mauling of the French' was heartening for the Kiwis, and there were lessons to be learnt from its unbeaten tour, said the Kiwi coach, Tony Gordon.

The Kangaroo rampage through Great Britain and France concluded with 442 and 52-0 victories against France and a 50-0 romp against France B.

With France set to tour New Zealand in July with tests in Auckland and Christchurch its aversion to tackling and apparent lack of dedication has not escaped Mr Gordon and he is looking forward confidently to the encounters.

He will soon receive video tapes of all the Kangaroo tests in Great Britain and France and will then set about plan-

ning a strategy to defeat the French. “I believe France is bringing 34 players, which is really 2>/ 2 sides, and I suppose it will prepare the test team outside the lead-up games. "Still, if they are hit hard enough and often enough something is bound to give.

“We will concentrate on them first and then look to Great Britain and Papua New Guinea.” The Kangaroo coach, Mr Don Furner, has said that the team’s success resulted in part from commitment to a high level of fitness.

Mr Gordon was quick to pick up on this.

“Don’s comments on the team’s attitude to fitness are apt for the New Zealand team,” he said. “We are trying to aim

at their level, it may take a few years to achieve but that is what our fitness schools are all about: trying to make the players aware of the importance of top fitness.” Mr Gordon has not yet been in touch with any of the overseas-based Kiwis and will not begin assessing their form and fitness until early next year. He will leave for Sydney in February and spend a week at St George and a week at Parramatta observing training techniques and game-plan organising.