SITUATION VACANT

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31007, 12 March 1966, Page 11

SITUATION VACANT

QNE of the first problems that will exercise the minds of the new All Black selection panel, Messrs F. R. Allen, D. L. Christian and V. L. George, will be to find a new captain for the team to play against the British Isles. The difficulties that may arise for any player following W. J. Whineray were well illustrated when D. J. Graham captained New Zealand in three tests against Australia in 1964 when Whineray was not available. In the third test, which New Zealand lost 5-20, Graham tried to rally his team when they were well behind but there was no response and it appeared that the experienced All Blacks, probably subconsciously, were not prepared to accept the exhortations of a new captain after having had Whineray lead them for many years.

On last year’s form there are three possible captains, C. E. Meads, K. R. Tremain and K. F. Gray. All are assured of places in the tests this season and all have had some experience in leading provincial teams. Meads was captain of the King Country side which was unbeaten last year; Gray was an aggressive cap-

tain of the strong and successfur Wellington team and Tremain led the powerful Hawke’s Bay side. At present Gray may be the most favoured player to assume the captaincy. He has the driving fervour

needed to rouse a team and also has a good tactical appreciation.

Usually All Black captains come from the forwards which may militate against the young Otago half-back, C. R. Laidlaw being considered. Laidlaw, however, is quite highly regarded and after the 1963-64 tour of Britain it was quite common knowledge that the then New Zealand selectors considered him as material for an international captain.