Not an honourable defeat for Canty

Press, 24 July 1987, Page 24

Not an honourable defeat for Canty

By

BOB SCHUMACHER

Complimented one day, condemned the next; that is often the lot of prominent rugby players and most regard it as one of life’s inescapable hazards. As Canterbury has marched triumphantly, more often than not, from one rugby winter to the next in recent years, it has deservedly earned the accolades bestowed upon it. There have been defeats, most of them honourable. Now and again there has been an inglorious loss and the Otago match at Carisbrook last Saturday provided one of them. Although the deficit was only three points (15-12), Canterbury’s performance was lack-lustre; it was as if everyone had been influenced by the same soporific mood. The Canterbury coach, Doug Bruce, had a ghostly appearance about him some 30 minutes after the game’s end. He may have been wondering whether he had seen a phantom Canterbury team in action.

Undoubtedly there was much chastisement when the team got together afterwards, and a man of meaner disposition than Mr Bruce might well have considered a return to Christchurch by foot as suitable punishment. Perhaps it was as well that Allex Wyllie was involved with the New Zealand Colts in Auckland. He may well have advocated that solution to arouse Canterbury from its lethargy and he may have sent the team, via Invercargill and the Haast Pass. Next week Mr Bruce and his fellow coach, Andy Holland, will name their squad for Canterebury’s next batch of matches in the National Mutual first division championship. There are unlikely to be sweeping changes and probably no more than one or two in the team proper for Canterbury’s next assignment, against Auckland on Lancaster Park on August 15.

That match could well be a make-or-break game for several Canterbury players who have given outstanding service to their province for as many as nine years. The rope’s noose may be dangling precariously above the heads of two of the team’s senior citizens, Robbie Deans and Murray Davie.

Mr Bruce had every reason to be disappointed at the lack of commitment by the Canterbury pack against Otago. Whereas the Otago forwards skilfully snapped up the loose ball and drove and mauled with ferocious intent, too many Canterbury forwards stood on the fringes, sometimes stepped the wrong way, and were promptly penalised. Davie was a culprit although he was not the lone offender. Deans was defiant under the high ball and his goal-kicking is still a valuable asset to Canterbury, but not for the first time this season he became flustered under pressure and his excursions into the backline lacked the confidence and sharpness of halcyon days. Dale Atkins was badly missed. Anthony Dalzell tried hard at No. 8, but could make no impression from the back of the Canterbury scrum mainly because the Otago loose

forwards were well aware of the favoured Canterbury ploy. Dalzell was grounded within a step and the ball did not always come back Canterbury’s way. While the tackling was hard and low, Atkins has the ability to drag defenders several metres and ensure a proper release on the Canterbury side. Otago had the most effective loose flanker in Paul Henderson, twice a New Zealand Colt and a Southland representative until this season. Henderson’s mobility put extra pressure on the Canterbury inside backs and it was only late in the piece that Warwick Taylor and Shayne Philpott were given any room to manoeuvre.

Although helped by the referee’s interpretation of the off-side law, Henderson’s rampant display did not help the cause of the Canterbury openside flanker, John McCaw. It was hardly McCaw’s fault that he was confined to the close quarters of the tight exchanges, but Canterbury may well look to Stephen Dods in the near future for his extra turn of pace and uncompromising tackling.

Who to have on the right wing must be another vexing question for Messrs Bruce and Holland. It may be that Joe Leota’s defensive deficiencies have been exposed enough and consideration may be given to playing David Ellis in that position. His two games there have netted four tries, admittedly against lesser opposition, but he is not short of confidence or aggression. There is also the possibility of playing the versatile Philpott on the wing which would allow his talented Burnside club-mate, Michael Lake, to replace him at centre.

For all its other shortcomings, Canterbury’s over-all defence is

one area in which there can be few complaints. Otago was unable to breach the line and Canterbury has conceded only one try in its last five games. Tackles were missed out wide, but the cover defence was excellent, with Bruce Deans and Wayne Burleigh working overtime in this department and the captain, John Buchan, excelling with one breath-taking grasstop tackle which saved a certain try. Canterbury teams have a habit of hitting back quickly after reaching a low ebb. If the province is to have a realistic chance of claiming this season’s national championship, it will have to take Auckland on the rebound on August 15..