HOPKINSON ON VERGE OF ALL BLACK HONOURS
Canterbury has produced only three new All Black forwards since 1960—the tall lock A. J. Stewart, the durable prop J. M. Le Lievre and the hooker, J. N. Creighton—but after fine games by the rugged prop, A. J. Hopkinson, in recent trial matches it is possible that Canterbury may not have to wait long for another international forward. Last season Hopkinson, for all his impressive physical proportions—he weighs 16st 41b and stands 6ft high —seemed just another good provincial forward; but in the two major trials he took on added stature. He had to mark C. E. Meads in the line-outs In both games and perhaps that was why his game became more purposeful and disciplined. Knowing the calibre of his opponent, Hopkinson settled down to match him in every phase of play and he succeeded. This meant that
Hopkinson did not undertake any of the extra-mural Rugby activities that often have dissipated his energies and abilities in other matches and that is probably why he looked such an accomplished player. After the trials some of the veteran All Blacks expressed the opinion that Hopkinson was “not a bad forward” coming from these men it was a greater compliment than any of the fulsome tributes that usually are bandied around after matches. When Hopkinson came to Canterbury in 1963 after playing for South Canterbury he looked magnificent raw material as a lock. In a Town-Country match his craggy frame was everywhere; he made a deep impression and he played eight games for Canterbury that season. In 1964 he became a regular member of the Canterbury side as a lock and Mr
R. H. Duff began to mould him into a fine forward. But there were still some rough edges; too often he was inclined to take on himself the job of “policeman” and also was inclined to seek out trouble where none existed. He played a great game in the turbulent shield challenge against Taranaki, with the disadvantage of an injured hand. That day he played himself to a standstill and brooked no nonsense from the vigorous Taranaki forwards. So much so, that there are still muttering in Taranaki Rugby circles when his name is mentioned. Last season, in an astute move, Mr Duff moved him to the prop position. Hopkinson eagerly absorbed all the considerable lore on scrummaging and, freed from the duties of trying to be a jumper at No. 5 in the lineout, he became an adept blocker at No. 4 or a spoiling player at No. 3. Still he did not quite look international material. He could be upset easily by jostling and bumping and jersey pulling or if one of his team
was hurt. If he did not really look like John Steed, he often posed as “an avenger.” But the signs were there. His aggressive driving in the tight-loose was more concentrated; his line-out play more scientific, and in the loose his handling and passing improved considerably, not that he was as dexterous as D. J. Graham. But the proportion of drops to takes improved immeasurably. The South Island All Black trial at Timaru gave the first indication that Hopkinson’s Rugby had entered a higher plane. Playing at lock, he was prominent in the lineouts and tight play, but when the ball was loose he really showed out. That game took him into the South Island side, and now he is on the verge of All Black selection. There is still a long way to go before he achieves that place. Rugged prop forwards are quite abundant in New Zealand, but Hopkinson, with his dedication, ability and determination, codld well be a member of the AU Black pack against the Lions.
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Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31086, 15 June 1966, Page 15
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624HOPKINSON ON VERGE OF ALL BLACK HONOURS Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31086, 15 June 1966, Page 15
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