Atkins blitzes Japanese

Press, 17 March 1987, Page 52

Atkins blitzes Japanese

Bruised, bemused defenders bounced off Dale Atkins’ powerful thighs as the burly back row forward scored three tries in the University of Canterbury’s 44-10 rugby win against a Japanese selection in Shizuoka on Sunday.

The rampaging display by Atkins — who had just flown in from Rome to join the tour — sent shock waves through Japanese rugby. The strong trial side was expected to win, but a dedicated team effort brought University its fifth straight win.

The result caused the Japanese selectors headaches when they assembled later to choose the national sides for the tour’s last two games, at Tokyo and Takasaki this

week. University plays allJapan in the “test” this Saturday. Atkins stunned the large crowd with his powerful midfield running. As well as scoring thrice himself, he set up other scoring moves.

The speed of the New Zealand backs caught the Japanese selection’s defence unprepared. Mark Meates, John McCaw and Atkins dominated the loose play, and Tavita Sio was a power in the tight. The wings, Evan Peterson and Steve Harding, showed speed and enterprise.

Canterbury’s scorers were Atkins (3), Peterson (2), Paul Treves, Harding and Geoff Hall tries; Treves six conversions.