Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Monday 21 August 1972, page 12


Wallabies go

down to

All Blacks in

first Test

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Sunday (AAP). — The touring Australian Wallabies rugby team was defeated 29-6 in the first Test against the New Zealand All Blacks at Athletic Park in Wellington yesterday.

A crowd of about 35,000 saw Australia kick off into a stiff breeze after the All Black captain lan Kirkpatrick won the toss and opted to play with the wind in the first half.

For the first time the tourists had the opportunity to show their pace in fine conditions and on a firm ground.

However, the All Blacks never gave them a chance and the New Zealandcrs dominated the forward play from the first whistle, monopolising most of the ball from both the rucks and the lineouts.

Although the Wallabies and the All Blacks had an almost equal share of the ball in set scrums, the Australian forwards could not give scrum half Gary Grey protection and the rampaging New Zealand forwards spoiled their play.

It was a scrappy game with both sides dropping passes and muffing tackles.

None of the Wallabies had a good day and their tackling was not positive enough to stop the All Black forwards.

Australian five-eighth Russell Fairfax was kept in check by the All Black

flankers and the Wallaby backline never had the chance for integrated attack. .

It was fortunate for the >!.»v Zealand team which could certainly improve and will need to do so before it leaves for a tour of the British Isles in October.

Despite his bad passing All Black half Sid Going was star of the match, scoring one try himself and setting up or having a share in all the others for the All Blacks.

New Zealand full-back Trevor Morris had a great game also and undoubtedly secured his berth in the All Blacks team for Britain. He found touch with every kick and never flinched in the face of high and low balls. Both Bryan Williams and Duncan Hales on the All Blacks wings always looked dangerous and. centre Brucc Robertson

showed a fine turn of pace

when called on.

However, it was the forwards' day and led by Tan Kirkpatrick and Alan Sutherland they were devastating. New cap Alistair Scown made a great debut on the side of the scrum and looks certain to retain his position.

Scorers: New Zealand — John Dougan, Alan Sutherland, Sid Going, Bryan Williams, Peter Whiting tries, Trevor Morris kicked 3 conversions and a penalty.

Australia — full-back Jeff McLcan kicked two penalties. Half lime score

was 19-0.