Lions back-line likely to be reshuffled for test
By
JOHN BROOKS
What does an international rugby team do when it has lost a series yet is committed to one more test?
That is the question which the Lions are chewing over at present as their tour of New Zealand winds down to the final game against the All Blacks in Auckland on July 16. The team made changes of personnel and had geared itself for a supreme effort in Dunedin. It had revised its tactics in a bid to circumvent the All Blacks’ approach. Then came the snow, the rain and the sleet, and long before the kick-off the Lions’ chances were blown away by the icy wind. Yet the situation is not totally gloomy for the Lions. They have not been hopelessly behind in scores in any of the tests — losing by 12-16, 0-9, and 8-15 — and it is traditional for British sides to finish with a flourish. The 1950, 1959 and 1966 Lions all played splendidly in the final test at Eden Park, with the series already lost in each case. The 1959 Lions, indeed, won their match.
The New Zealand rugby public evidently is anticipating a similar climax on the 1983 tour. The New Zealand R.F.U. secretary, Mr Barry Usmar, has reported that the demand for seats at Auckland has been stronger than ever since the Dunedin match.
The other point which must give the lions hope is that their revamped backline is likely to have conditions to suit its particular talents in Auckland. The playing of John Rutherford at inside centre and Gwyn Evans at fullback in the third test had merit, but the water-logged pitch sabotaged the plan. Nevertheless, Rutherford performed extremely well under difficulties, and he appeals as the man to lead the Lions’ back revival at Eden Park.
After his mediocre play in Dunedin, there must be doubts about the wisdom of retaining Ollie Campbell at first five-eighths. A tantalising alternative would be to move Rutherford back to
his usual inside position, and introduce Dusty Hare to kick goals and run the ball from full-back. He is a lively mover and his success rate with kicks at goal is almost as good as Campbell’s.
A major problem for the Lions has been the delivery of the ball from the scrum. This has been embarrassing as well as annoying for the side, as British sides place great emphasis on scrummaging. Against a formidable and experienced All Black pack, the Lions have had trouble in heeling the ball from the back row. The No. 8, lain Paxton, has often kept the ball in the scrum while the Lions attempt to counter the All Blacks’ shove, but then have been forced to deliver possession untidily as the scrum begins to disintegrate. David Loveridge, the All Black half-back, has added to the Lions’ woes by ruthlessly harrying his opposite, Roy Laidlaw, who now seems to have lost his confidence.
Laidlaw seems diffident about moving in to retrieve the ball, and the scrappy possession he has been provided with has affected his judgment, and his accuracy. So if Steve Smith measures up this week, he might be the half-back for the final test. He knows all about beating New Zealand sides; he was half-back for the victorious North-West Counties side against lan Kirkpatrick’s 1972-73 All Blacks at Workington.
The Lions of 1983 have not fielded brilliant midfield players of the class of Bleddyn Williams, Malcolm Price, David Hewitt and Mike Gibson. Indeed, they have been almost pedestrian in the centres, and the most accomplished wing, John Carleton, has received few chances.
Michael Kiernan seemed to be the rising star among the midfield backs, but he has not flourished in a stunted Lions’ attack. It is hard to remember him handling the ball more than once at Carisbrook last Saturday. However, an under-used Kiernan appeals more than a stodgy Robert Ackerman
or a skittery Clive Woodward. David Irwin has several faults, but he would be the most logical partner for Kiernan if Rutherford is switched closer to the scrum.
It is doubtful whether the Lions will be moved to alter the pack. Steve Bainbridge did well enough in the third test to merit retaining his place against the possible challenge of Donal Lenihan, the replacement lock who was an original selection before injury struck him down.
Colin Deans has impressed as a smarter hooker than Ciaran Fitzgerald, but there seems little doubt that the diminutive Irishman will again lead the team at Auckland. No other good leaders have emerged on tour.
Mr Jim Telfer is a skilful and energetic coach, but he has become progressively dourer as the team’s fortunes have slumped. He will need to recover his spirits and work a few small miracles with a side of seemingly average quality if it is to triumph at Auckland.
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Press, 6 July 1983, Page 32
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810Lions back-line likely to be reshuffled for test Press, 6 July 1983, Page 32
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