N.S.W. rugby back loses place

Press, 13 April 1989, Page 44

N.S.W. rugby back loses place

PA Sydney New South Wales’ rugby selectors have dumped test No. 8, Steve Tuynman, for the South Pacific Championship clash with Wellington at Concord Oval in Sydney on Sunday. Tuynman missed his team’s 32-7 hammering of Fiji last week-end as he was playing in a charity match in Edinburgh for the families affected by the Lockerbie air disaster. In his absence a newlook New South Wales back row of Tim Gavin, David Carter and Scott Gourley turned in a powerful display. Tuynman has been Australia’s first choice No. 8 for four years, but Gavin’s form against Fiji was impressive and the state coach, Dick Laffan, said the selectors decided to stay with a winning combination.

“Tim just played so well and Bird (Tuynman) knew he was leaving the gate open when he left,” Mr Laffan said. “Steve’s a class , player and we’re very pleased to have him. This is not meant to be a penalty for going away. “Still, it’s a strange situation for me to have four Wallaby back rowers to choose from.” Tuynman, who holds 29 test caps and was one of the outstanding players for Australia in this year’s Sydney and Hong Kong Sevens tournaments, has been retained as a reserve. Gavin was Australia’s No. 8 in the second and third tests against the All Blacks last year, when Tuynman was sidelined with a back injury. Mr Laffan said Gavin, who had shed weight in converting from the second row, had improved his running and ball skills markedly. The New South Wales team is:— Marty Roebuck, Dwayne Vignes, Darren Junee, Michael Hayes, Acura Niuaila, Lloyd Walker, Nick Farr-Jones (captain), Tim Gavin, Scott Gourley, David Carter, Tim Kava, Steve Cutler, Ewen McKenzie, Eddie Jones, Peter Kay. Reserves: Darren Quince, Geoff White, Andrew Cairns, Steve Tuynman, Phil Kearns.