Taylor set for test record

Press, 20 May 1987, Page 72

Taylor set for test record

PA Auckland Warwick Taylor will achieve a New Zealand test rugby record if he lines up for. the All Blacks in the World Cup opening match against Italy at Eden Park on Friday. At this stage, of course, it can only be presumed Taylor will be in the starting XV — the coach, Brian Lochore, has been careful so far not to give any Indication of his team. But as he is the only specialist second fiveeighths in the squad, it seems Taylor will be an automatic inclusion; and if he does play, it will give him the distinction of having played more tests at second fiveeighths than any other All Black. It will be his seventeenth fully fledged international, equalling the number played by lan Macßae from 1996 to 197*. One of Macßae’s tests, however, against France at Christchurch in 1998, was at centre. Not one to be preoccupied with personal milestones, Taylor said yesterday he was surprised that the figure for the most capped test second five-eighths was so low. But he noted the first five-eighths record (held by his Canterbury partner and close friend, Wayne Smith at 17) was also moderate, a reflection perhaps that fiveeighths in New Zealand traditionally have been a hot seat

Taylor acknowledged that second five-eighths was probably the most “unglamorous” position in the backline.

“Some people seem to expect a flashy player there and you do get the odd one who’s very elusive, like Brett Papworth,” he said. “But both for Canterbury and the All Blacks I’ve played with players both inside and outside who have been more dynamic. At second five you’re more of a link but people who know rugby know how important the second five is to a team. “If I make a few breaks in a game good, but I’m more happy and know I’ve done my job if the wings score the tries and it’s the centre who has made the breaks.”

The important function for a second five-eighths, he believed, was to link and back up to give the wings outside extra options.

Taylor has had only one playing model in his career — his elder brother, Murray, also an All Black five-eighths who had seven tests in the late 19715. It was from Murray that Taylor learnt the basics of one of his playing trademarks ... the long “wipers” kick. Brotherly rivalry will also be extended if Warwick takes the field on Friday. It will be Taylor’s thirtieth match for the Ail Blacks, equalling the number Murray had in the colours between 1979 and 1989.