Laidlaw Stands Alone

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31098, 29 June 1966, Page 10

Laidlaw Stands Alone

(From I. J. D. HALL) TWO outstanding games by x the All Black half-back, C. R. Laidlaw, against the Lions must have delighted the All Black selectors. But it only served to emphasise again the wide gap between Laidlaw and other provincial half-backs. In probably every other

position the selectors would have an adequate replacement if one of the “shadow” test team was hurt. But at present the half-back situation, if not exactly parlous, is certainly not encouraging. Six half-backs were tried out in the All Black trials in May and although all had their good points they had

one common failing—lack of a long pass. S. Going, the nuggety North Auckland player, gained selection for the North Island team and probably is regarded as Laidlaw’s understudy. Useful though he is, it is a far cry from the time last year when as well as Laidlaw the selectors could call on K. C. Briscoe and D. M. Connor. Going’s passes are quick and accurate but they hardly clear the end of the line-out. B. F. Elder, the 20-year-old Wairarapa player brought into the final trial, is much the same. L. J. Davis, the probable half-back for the New Zealand Juniors has a longer pass than either of these but this season his passing has become more studied he is not clearing the ball from the ground but is standing up to pass. The Wellington player, B. A. Coulter, possibly has the longest pass of any halfback except for Laidlaw but he is too deliberate. Unless some new player is thrown into the Rugby ring quickly the selectors must be very perturbed every time Laidlaw plays before tests, just in case he is injured. For if he cannot play then they will have a host of problems. r