Wales criticises referees

Press, 21 May 1988, Page 88

Wales criticises referees

By

CHRIS MIRAMS

of NZPA in Wellington

The Welsh rugby team has added New Zealand referees to its list of “improvements” for its second match against Wellington at Athletic Park today.

After its 28-19 defeat by Waikato on Wednesday the tourists left Hamilton with an inventory of errors it must improve on to avoid a replay of last year’s 49-6 thumping by the All Blacks and prevent the eight-match tour from becoming a total disaster.

The captain, Bleddyn Bowen, yesterday expressed misgivings on the performance of New Zealand’s second-ranked referee, Keith Lawrence, during the Waikato game and was cagey about renewing the Welsh relationship with Southland’s Dave Bishop today. “He (Lawrence) suddenly changed during the match and started penalising us for just about everything, particularly among the forwards and especially in the lineouts,” Bowen said. “That definitely affected us in the line-outs where we lost all our rhythm. We know we also have to rise above and cope with that now as well,” he said. Bowen, at pains to avoid being cited as a whinger, was uneasy as to how Bishop would rule in today’s match against Wellington. The captain is fully aware the success of the remainder of the tour hinges on beating Wellington and Bishop’s performance is seen as important in allowing the Welsh forwards to compete and the team to play its expansive style. Bishop refereed Wales notorious 1986 South Pacific tour match against Tonga where the Welsh thought Bishop did not keep a firm enough hand on proceedings. The match was marred

by constant niggle and was called off before fulltime after an all-out brawl erupted. Bishop — who is to referee this year’s tests between Australia and England — also handled the Welsh World Cup matches against Canada and Tonga where there was also dissatisfaction over his performances. Bowen said with the inclusion of the lock, Robert Norster, he expected a greatly improved performance from his forwards.

He said not only had Waikato taught Wales about the physical requirements and adjustments needed to play in New Zealand but it had also learnt about the spirit of Kiwi teams. “We cannot afford to relax for one second. New Zealand teams never give up, I doubt if they do even when they are 20 points down,” said Bowen. Test places are also on the line today. The No. 8, Tim Fauvel, and the lock, Kevin Moseley, are the only survivors from Wednesday’s pack while the fullback, Anthony Clement, and the centre, John Devereux, are given another chance to impress after being sidelined with injuries. The Welsh coach, Tony Gray, said that Fauvel particularly was under the spotlight.

The Waikato match was Fauvel’s debut for Wales and as in that game he will partner flankers — Rowland Phillips and David Bryant — and the halfback, Jonathan Griffiths, for the first time. Should he fail to impress, Fauvel faces the unenviable task of being named in the side for

Tuesday’s match against Otago thereby playing in Wales first three matches.

Moseley — another who debuted on Wednesday — also gets his chance to press for a test place and has the advantage of packing down with Norster.

He was one who was particularly affected by referee Lawrence on Wednesday — a fact supported by the Waikato captain, Blair Cooper — and was overwhelmed by Steve Gordon at the front. The Wellington coach, Alan Muir, said he was unperturbed about Wales’ poor opening performance and was expecting a vastly improved effort.

With Wellington being lashed with wind and rain, and the same forecast for today, a tight forward battle seems certain. The teams.—

Wales: Anthony Clement, Carwyn Davies, John Devereux, leuan Evans, Bleddyn Bowen (captain), Jonathan Davies, Jonathan Griffiths; Tim Fauvel, Rowland Phillips, Kevin Moseley, Robert Norster, David Bryant, Anthony Buchanan, Kevin Phillips, David Young. Reserves: Mike Hall, Mark Ring, Robert Jones, lan Watkins, Jeremy Pugh, Paul Moriarty.

Wellington: John Gallagher, Denis Tocker, Mike Gibson, Michael Clamp, John Schuster, Peter O’Shaughnessy, Neil Sorensen (captain); Emosi Koloto, Mike O’Leary, Marc Verhoeven, Murray Pierce, Dirk Williams, Brian McGrattan, Hika Reid, Dunn Kaiwai. Reserves:. Hennie Tonuu, Naera Parata, Dave Rennie, Glen Fraser, Laurence Hullena, Rob Cheval. Referee: Dave Bishop (Southland).