Memory loss for Shelford

Press, 14 August 1989, Page 38

Memory loss for Shelford

From

BOB SCHUMACHER

in Auckland

The All Black captain, Wayne Shelford, might have had too much rugby in recent times. Something is certainly affecting his memory. In his column in a Sunday newspaper yesterday, New Zealand’s rugby captain says that the fate of his North Harbour team in the National Mutual first division championship this season could depend on the match against Canterbury at Onewa Domain on Wednesday. If Shelford arrives at Onewa Domain on Wednesday he may well find himself a lost soul. Canterbury will be home by then, hoping no doubt to have accounted for North Harbour in their scheduled encounter tomorrow. Canterbury could forgive Shelfore that faux pas, but the barb that hurt came later. “I’m sure we also have Canterbury’s respect after beating them last year,” he states. Perhaps Shelford, who led North Harbour against Canterbury in the first fixture between the two unions last year, wanted to forget the result. It was, in fact, 22-16 to Canterbury! The North Harbour coach, Peter Thorburn, and several players were at Pukekohe on Saturday to see Canterbury beat Counties, 35-3. He, at least, is endeavouring to do his homework. With combinations being struck and the Canterbury coach, Frank Jack, seeking uniformity, the team to play North Harbour is unchanged. It is:— Robbie Deans; Paula Bale, Andrew McCormick, Wiremu Maunsell; Warwick Taylor, Stephen Bachop; Bruce Deans; Rob Penney; Murray Henderson, Albert Anderson (captain), Chris England, Andy Earl; Chris Earl, John Buchan, Kevin Hill.