Canty recalls Simpson

Press, 19 April 1989, Page 72

Canty recalls Simpson

By

DIANNA LESLIE

and NZPA Victor Simpson’s return to his typically abrasive and strong form has earned him a place in the Canterbury rugby team for its South Pacific Championship match against New South Wales at Lancaster Park on Sunday. Simpson, who has an extensive record of Canterbury appearances since his debut in 1980, replaces Warwick Taylor at second fiveeighths in the wake of Taylor’s hamstring injury. Simpson has made 114 appearances for Canterbury. His renewed zeal for his club side, University, has satisfied Frank Jack, the Canterbury selector. “He has earned his position with outstanding club form,” Mr Jack said. Canterby suffered early season injury woes as Mark Vincent and

Wayne Smith fell victim to injury and this has been compounded with the absence of Taylor and Wiremu Maunsell, who is also struggling with a hamstring injury. Richard Connell, usually a fullback, replaces Maunsell on the wing. The Canterbury team is.— Robbie Deans; Richard Connell, Andrew McCormick, Andrew Simcock; Victor Simpson, Stephen Bachop; Graeme Bachop; Chris England; Murray Henderson, Albert Anderson (captain), Andy Earl, Robin Penney; Tavita Sio, John Buchan, Chris Earl. Reserves— Backs: Allan Lindsay, Greg Coffey, one to be selected. Forwards: Gavin Hill, Tala Kele, Andrew Owen. Meanwhile the New South Wales captain, Nick Farr-Jones, is determined his talented youngsters will not become too cocky despite their outstanding early season form in the championship. “The team is playing extremely well, particularly the newcomers in

the backline,” said Farr-Jones of the impressive wins over Fiji and Wellington. “It’s been a great performance by some of the younger new players who had been lacking in experience at the top. “But it’s only the beginning of the season and far too early to get cocky — you’re only as good as your last game.” Farr-Jones’s immediate concern is his test second rower, Steve Cutler, who has been sidelined after suffering an agonising rib injury in the match against Wellington. The N.S.W. team is: Marty Roebuck, Dwayne Vignes, Darren Junee, Michael Hayes, Acura Niuqila, Lloyd Walker, Nick Farr-Jones (captain), Tim Gavin, David Carter, Scott Gourley, Tim Kava, Steve Cutler (if fit), Ewen McKenzie, Eddie Jones, Mark Hartill. Reserves: Darren Quince, Geoff White, Andrew Cairns, Steve Tuynman, Peter Palmer, Peter Kay.