Bay of Plenty plans a few surprise moves for French

Press, 27 June 1989, Page 38

Bay of Plenty plans a few surprise moves for French

PA Rotorua Bay of Plenty will have a few secret moves in store to counter the touring French rugby team’s height and weight advantage, the captain, Wayne Ranui, said yesterday.

Ranui, who plays hooker, was speaking after Bay of Plenty completed its preparation for the encounter with the French at Rotorua International Stadium today. The forwards spent some time on lineouts, an area where the difference in size between the two sides could have a telling effect.

But Ranui said lineouts were not an area his team was working on specifically with the French in mind. “It’s something we do a lot of practice on anyway.” He hoped his players would be competitive in the set pieces, despite the smaller size of the home pack. “It will be hard, but we have some determined

guys in our team,’’ he said. “We also have some moves worked out which I can’t really reveal at the moment. “I hope they will be a bit of surprise to the French.” Ranui was also unperturbed by the tourists’ predilection so far in provincial matches of continually running possession back into the for-

wards. “It will mean their backs don’t get as much of the ball.” Ranui said his own back division had a youthful look about it, with a highly-rated 22-year-old, Kopae Irihei, at first fiveeighth. At centre is Darrell Shelford, brother of the All Black captain, Wayne Shelford, and a player Ranui said added a steadying influence to the backline. Out wider is a former All Black wing, Bruce Smith, to provide a further touch of experience. However, Bay of Plenty will be without two pivotal team members.

The All Black prop, Steve McDowell, has pulled out of the match to ensure that his left knee, is 100 per cent for the second test on Saturday. And the former All Black lock, Gary Braid, is still sidelined with a shoulder injury.

The French coach, Jacques Fouroux, confirmed that his No. 2

halfback, Henri Sanz, would take the field against Bay of Plenty. There had been some doubt over Sanz’ fitness, because of an eye problem.

The French completed their preparation with a light run held in private.

France: Jean-Marc Lescure; Stephane Weller, Patrice Lagisquet, Denis Charvet, Jean-Baptiste Lafond; Franck Mesnel, Henri Sanz (captain); Olivier Roumat; Philippe Benetton, Dominique Erbani, Pascal Beraud, JeanFrancois Tordo; Philippe Gallard, Herve Chabowski, Marc Pujolle. Reserves: Dominique Bouet, Pascal Ondarts, Jean Condom; Pierre Berbizier, Marc Andrieu, Serge Blanco. Bay of Plenty: Wilson Jones; Peter Woods, Darrell Shelford, Bruce Smith; Steve Miln, kopae Irihei; Joe Tauiwi; Steven Van der Leeden; Rex O’Brien, Darren Martin, Alan Connell, Dean Oswald; Arthur McLean, Wayne Ranui (captain), Warwick Morehu. Reserves: Rex George, Ray Peacock, Nelson Haronga; Darren Bean, Max Simpkins, Ron Preston. Referee: lan Blackmore (North Auckland).