Kiwis’ victory boost for code —A.R.L. boss

Press, 23 July 1987, Page 48

Kiwis’ victory boost for code —A.R.L. boss

NZPA-AAP

Sydney

The chairman of the Australian Rugby League, Ken Arthurson, believes New Zealand’s shock test victory over Australia will shake the cobwebs off the code’s international standing.

The Kiwi’s stunning 136 triumph at Lang Park Brisbane, on Tuesday night has ushered in a wave of criticism of the Australian team which

had been defeated only once in the last four years. But Mr Arthurson, director-general of the game’s international body, said losing the invincible tag would boost the other rugby league nations. “I think it has probably done a lot for the game at the international level,” said Mr Arthurson. “We were getting to a stage where there was an air of invincibility about the Australian team. “Now New Zealand has shown it can be competitive it will boost the other nations, particularly Great Britain and France. “And I think it might boost us as we were starting to believe we were invincible.” Mr Arthurson said the Kiwis fully deserved their

victory. However the national chairman of selectors, Ernie Hammerton, was incensed by the performance.

“I’m disappointed for the people who paid money to see the game — at least I had a free ticket,” said Mr Hammerton, who won’t forgive a couple of last night’s team after their efforts. The former test hooker said it was one of the worst displays since he became a selector in 1971 — the year an Australian team travelled to Auckland for a one-off test and was thumped, 24-3 at Carlaw Park. "There are a lot of differences between that side and last night’s,” Mr Hammerton said. “This was a formulated team which had been on a Kangaroo tour together, with the exception of Wayne Pearce and Peter Tunks. “Those two have played

plenty of test football, anyway, and generally it was as good a side as we could pick before the game.” According to Mr

Hammerton, only half the team produced anything near their true ability and he said Injuries, particularly the reported shoulder injury to prop Greg Dowling, were not acceptable excuses. “I didn’t know some of them were carrying injuries. As far as I was concerned they were all fit when they went out.” Mr Hammerton said the team management should have been aware of any injuries, and if some players were carrying knocks they should have withdrawn. "The bottom line is they didn’t perform as well as they should have, they were good enough to win — we know that. “But I’ll dip my lid to the Kiwis, they did play well.”