DECISIVE WIN, BUT UNIMAGINATIVE Lions Lost Control When Leading By 20-3

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31117, 21 July 1966, Page 17

DECISIVE WIN, BUT UNIMAGINATIVE Lions Lost Control When Leading By 20-3

(From

I.J.D. HALL)

WESTPORT. It was a decisive but not entirely convincing win when the British Lions beat West Coast-Buller, 25-6, at Westport yesterday. For 20 minutes in the second half the Lions played some splendid Rugby, and when they led 20-3 it seemed that finally the tide had turned for them.

Inexplicably, they lost control of the match and this slackening meant they scored only five points against the combined team’s three in the last I 20 minutes. Lamont, Gibson and Bresni-1 han—who all played very effectively—each scored two. tries for the Lions. Ruther-I ford kicked two conversions! and a penalty. Gray scored a try for Com- 1 Lined and Dixon kicked a penalty. Combined Impress I In normal circumstances a 23-6 win by a Lions team over a combined fifteen might jestingly have been described as a moral loss, but with this team struggling to achieve its Rugby self-respect a decisive win must have been heartening and some features of the play particularly encouraging. It must be emphasised that West Coast-Buller played extremely well. Completely outplayed in the line-outs, their forwards stuck resolutely to their task in the tight and loose play and the backs not only tackled well but showed some enterprise on attack.

It was one of the best displays by a West Coast-Buller team for some years, even including last year’s Springbok game, for the match was played in warm sunshine and on firm turf, conditions which if not foreign to the home players, at least not usually in their favour.

When the Lions led 9-3 at half-time and had been guilty of some untidy play in the

backs with mishandling, it, appeared that again they would be in bother, as they had to face a slight wind and bright sunshine in the second half. Strong Runners But for 20 minutes they played some very fine Rugby. Price was outstanding in the line-outs, Campbell-Lamerton and Mcßride were powerful runners in the loose and Lamont was as dangerous as any back with his great speed and quick thinking. In the backs, Gibson was i an alert and penetrative first ■ five-eighths, Bresnihan one i player who was always near the ball and on the wing, S. J. Watkins made a profound I impression with his speed, determination and intelligent ! play. I During this 20-minute period there was some authoritative play by the pack, crisp running and passing by the backs which produced two glorious tries to Lamont and a most enterprising one to Gibson. Then the Lions suddenly slackened, something they i have done before on tour [when appearing to be in a I commanding position. Taking heart, the combined team struck back, scored a very good try by Gray, and the forwards harassed and upset the Lions team so that from looking a true international side they fell back into some of their previous bad habits. Line-out Control The most impressive feature of the Lions forward play was the line-out work. Price gained some magnifi-

cent takes, Mcßride and Campbell-Lamerton added their quota, and the props, Williams and Powell, ensured that for most of the game no holes appeared in the lineout.

In the loose Lamont was in fantastic form. For one of: this tries he had to run 45 yards, for the other 30 yards, and not one West Coast-Bull-er back could gain on him. Prothero was energetic and Campbell-Lamerton and McBride lent their not inconsiderable weight and strength with some bullocking runs. Mcßride, in particular, showed a rare return of speed. But as a demerit, too much of the play was done by individuals. It might be Lamont’s turn, then Mcßride’s, or it might be Campbell-Larner-ton or Prothero who decided to go solo. Not very often did the pack collectively move together. Once, led by Mcßride, they drove ferociously, spinning Combined backs and forwards in all directions. But it was hardly repeated, maybe because of the ease with which line-out possession was being ) gained and fed to the backs. Bad Handling ■ The backs may also have to answer a few pertinent questions. Once again there was some bad handling and, on occasions, rather casual defence, but it was encouraging to see Gibson playing well and Watkins bringing some colour and excitement to the wing position with his dashing running.

Gibson and his inside centres, Weston and Bresnihan, had to contend with some wild passes from Lewis, who still becomes easily bustled. Weston played steadily and thoughtfully and Bresnihan foraged all day and did some invaluable work in cover defence. Savage with the chances that came his way was an aggressive wing and earned top marks for one crushing tackle of Stack when a try seemed certain. Rutherford was a neat full-back but his goal kicking was disappointing. It was a whole hearted effort by the Combined team. With their physical disparity a great handicap in the lineouts, the forwards compensated with some rousing Rugby in the loose. Craddock and Macßae were tigerish loose forwards and Craddock also tackled well close to the scrum. I '' Not Outlasted i Nahr was more in the tight Iplay but always seemed to be at the head of foot rushes. The locks, Caldwell and Rogers, were outjumped but not outlasted by the Lions. In the last 20 minutes they surged through in the tight play and at vital times denied the Lions clean line-out possession. Shaw, wearing his years lightly, was the same rugged prop, perhaps a yard slower though, who nearly won All Black honours in 1963. Roche was a very quick hooker and Dixon kicked a good goal and strove very hard in the tight play. But it was the spirit and determination of the forwards that was impressive. They never gave in even when the score mounted.

The backs had few opportunities on attack but when the ball did come their way McAra and Forsyth were quite effective and Stack and Gray made some good runs on the wing. Gray, however, had two defensive lapses which cost his team eight points.

Geddes and Beams combined well at half-back and first five-eights, and Dawe was a courageous full-back who deserved his applause when twice he tackled Mcßride head on. Forsyth also was outstanding for his rugged tackling.