Taylor off to Italy

Press, 28 July 1987, Page 40

Taylor off to Italy

The All Black midfield back, Warwick Taylor, is unavailable for the tour to Japan in October as he is to play club rugby in Italy. Taylor, who played a leading role in the All Blacks' 30-16 win over Australia on Saturday, said last evening that he will leave for Italy on October 5. He is to assume the role of player-coach for the Italian third division team, Venice Mestre. Taylor will be accompanied by his wife, Tracy, and they expect to return to New Zealand in May, next year. Taylor was approached by the club on the recommendation of the former All Black, Wayne Smith, who is also returning to Italy for another season of

club rugby. Taylor, who went to South Africa with the Cavaliers last year, said he had not been approached to join a rebel tour to the republic this year. “I have heard nothing about a tour to South Africa,” he said. Taylor sustained a minor mouth injury against Australia but expects to be fit to play for University in a club match this Saturday. Canterbury’s other All Black, Craig Green, may be fighting against time to get fit for the vital national championship match against Auckland at Lancaster Park on August 15.

Green suffered a fractured cheekbone against Australia in the first 20 minutes of the game.

An X-ray showed a fracture on the bridge of the cheekbone under the eye, evidently not as serious as a fracture or dislocation nearer the ear.

It is expected that Green, who has not yet returned to Christchurch, may be fit to play in two or three weeks. The New Zealand Press Association quotes Green as saying that the injury happened midway through the first half.

“I took the ball into a maul, but I have no idea what happened then. It was not really hurting at the time, but as the match wore on it became painful and my jaw started to swell. In fact, I almost came off at half-time but the excitement of the game kept me going.”