Philpott might surprise pundits

Press, 25 September 1987, Page 20

Philpott might surprise pundits

Shayne Philpott hardly chose the most opportune time to become adventurous in the dying moments of Canterbury’s national first division championship rugby match against Bay of Plenty at Rotorua last Saturday.

BOB SCHUMACHER

among them. Canterbury’s championship record has been bleak this winter, but Philpott’s consistently resourceful showings in four different backline positions have provided some rays of hope for the future. He has earned the title of “Mr Versatile” and it may be that the All Black selectors could do with a player of such wide talents in the touring party. The composition of the New Zealand team will probably contain a healthy mixture of players from this year’s World Cup squad and of emerging footballers. About all that is known is that it will comprise 11 backs and 12 forwards and that the two matches against Japan will not be recognised as official tests.

With only a few minutes remaining and with Canterbury ahead by one point, Philpott tried to run from the danger zone. The Canterbury full-back’s gamble lost; he was tripped, the ball fell free and Bay of Plenty initiated a move which culminated in a dropped goal and a twopoint loss for Canterbury. Watching a crestfallen Philpott leave the field was the All Black selection panel convener, Brian Lochore. Most likely he was not amused.

Even so, Philpott, until that traumatic experience, had more ticks than crosses alongside his name for that game, as has been the case all season for the robust utility man of the Canterbury backline.

Another certainty is that the All Blacks will have their third different captain this year, with Andy Dalton not available and David Kirk bound for Britain. Wayne Shelford is the popular choice and the powerful North Harbour No. 8 makes most appeal. He was a driving force behind the All Black pack in the World Cup and a central figure in the tactical discussions at training.

Some time after the finish of the AucklandWellington match at Eden Park tomorrow, a match which will decide where the Ranfurly Shield and national championship trophy will reside during the summer, 23 All Blacks will be named to tour Japan later next month. It would not surprise if Philpott is included

looks at a possible All Black team to tour

Japan

Of the winning New Zealand World Cup XV, only John Gallagher, John Kirwan, Grant Fox, Shelford, the Whetton twin brothers, Gary and Alan, Sean Fitzpatrick and Steve McDowell can be expected to leave for Japan on October 18.

Some of the other players, such as Craig Green, Warwick Taylor and Kirk, are destined for overseas places away from Japan. Michael Jones is not available and the selectors may not see much merit in sending Joe Stanley, John Drake and Murray Pierce — players of advancing years — on a trip which is intended to develop some of the youthful talent

Most of those who spent most of the World Cup campaign acting as “dirt trackers” in training should gain some compensation by going to Japan as senior members, but an injury to Kieran Crowley will keep him out and the indifferent form of Tejyy Wright and Andy Earl might count against them.

should retain their places, John Buchan may well become the understudy at hooker to Fitzpatrick, and Philpott could well catch the northern pundits unawares. A possible touring team is:— Backs: John Gallagher (Wellington), Shayne Philpott (Canterbury), John Kirwan (Auckland), Jasin Goldsmith (Waikato), Greg Karaitiana (Wairarapa-Bush), Bernie McCahill (Auck-

Canterbury had five players in the 26-strong World Cup squad, but It can realistically only hope for three or four to be included for the tour of Japan. Bruce Deans and Albert Anderson

land), Steven Poker* (Wellington), Grant Fox | (Auckland), Frano Botica I (North Harbour), Bruce I Deans (Canterbury), Alaa i Crowley (Taranaki). Forwards: Wayne Shel- ; ford (North captain), Emosi Koloto (Manawatu), Dirk Williams (Wellington),:' Zinzan Brooke (Auck- ® land), Alan Whettea (Auckland), Gary Whetton (Auckland), Albert ; Anderson (Canterbury),' Richard Loe (Waikato),;; Huia Gordon (Manawatu), Steve, McDowell (Auckland),' Sean Fitzpatrick (Auck< land), John Buchan (Can-;; terbury).