We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union. We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series from the season’s 1934 through to 2020 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin

Acknowledgments to the NZ Rugby Almanack Franchise:

Back to Year by Year Index click here

A programme of 14 matches makes too great a demand on the resources of the more sparsely populated Unions, who do not possess the depth of players of the required standard. Wairarapa-Bush started well with wins over Nelson-Bays and Hawke’s Bay, but could not sustain this record.

Players from the previous season no longer available included P.J.Ryan to Taupo where he represented Hawke’s Bay, John McEwen overseas, B.W.Narbey moved South and Dalziell who had virtually retired. In all, 30 players were called on, but only eight of these played in 12 or more matches. Eight of the 30 players were new to representative Rugby.

Halfback Karatau captained the side but appeared unable to inspire the players to greater effort, and was not helped by the number of new backs he had to link up with. Dewar shaped well at first five-eighth with good footwork and handling, but was lost through injuries. Utility back Kjestrup took over — a player of much potential: good hands and useful goal-kick. Blake who had last represented in 1973 took over; but the arrival of O’Neill from Waikato, an experienced player who had represented North Otago in 1966 and South Canterbury in 1970-71, gave the knowledge and confidence required in this vital position for the final two games. Bargh, who had ‘previously represented in 1973, tackled hard and ran well, but family circumstances caused him to be not available later; an 18 year-old, Carter, looked very promising in the final matches. Martin was affected by injuries and was not as prominent as previously. Patrick lost two games through injury, but would appear to be of greater value at centre than on the wing. Miller, a new player, looked promising but transferred to Wellington after four games. Sims (1973 representative) was recalled, but was not up to his old form. Robertson was an improved player both on attack and defense. Couch was a good attacking full-back and an excellent goal-kick, and had he been available for the two Sunday games and not been injured against King Country would surely have totaled 100 points.

Turley played his 100th game for his Union against Counties, and was still a great worker in the tight as well as being mobile in the loose, often first to the ball at a kick-off. Fellow-lock Pyatt was disappointing and finally gave way to Guscott who impressed in this position after having played at No. 8 and as prop; he had previously been a Wairarapa Junior representative in 1970 and represented New Zealand Universities in 1972. McConnochie had a good season -— a fast, strong flanker who used his strength to advantage. Spence enjoyed the freedom of the flank position and scored several good tries, but also played at No. 8; he returned to Poverty Bay at the end of the season. Cole was a vigorous flanker and prominent at the front of the line-out.

The front-row of Rowlands (vice-captain) and Playle as props, with Falconer or McGlashan as hooker was an experienced and effective one. But Rowlands, one of the country’s outstanding ‘props, withdrew through personal commitments and the loss of his strength and experience was a blow. McGlashan became the regular hooker and held his own with most opponents. Playle was a key member of the pack who also stood out in the open play. Torea, a new representative, used his 17-1/2 stone to the full as a vigorous prop and
in the line-out.

Dewar and Couch played in the Prince of Wales Cup match.

1975 MATCH RECORD
Played, 14; Won, 3; Lost, 11
Points: For, 164; Against, 301

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 1975 {Total Games}