7:00am Saturday 12th July 2008
By Phil Chard
THREE-times World Team Cup winner Neil Street believes Australia are in "good hands" under Craig Boyce as they go into this year's opening round tonight.
The Face, as the former PIrates rider is known, succeeded Street as Aussie boss in 2005, since when they have not won the trophy.
On the other hand, Street - Poole's team manager from 1985 to 1998 - led his country to glory in 1999, 2001 and 2002.
But, talking ahead of round one between cup holders Poland, Russia and Hungary at Leszno tonight (6pm), Street said: "Boycey is definitely the man for the job to lead Australia."
The 77-year-old former Exeter, Swindon and Newport rider added: "I think Australian speedway is in good hands.
"I took Boycey with me to the World Team Cup a few years ago when I was still manager.
"He was the perfect man to take over the post from me. He's 37 years younger than I am, so I more or less recommended him to David White at Motorcycle Australia.
"Boycey decided to retire from riding at the end of last season.
"You can't keep riding forever and he's 40 now, and concentrating on his engine tuning business. You can't do that and ride. You just don't have time.
"He could probably have ridden on for a few more years but having just finished riding, he has the experience.
"Boycey knows how to relate to the younger men in the team. He has a good idea about how to deal with the young Aussie riders.
"There are a lot of young Aussie riders around he can help, including the likes of Chris Holder and Troy Batchelor.
"It's no good just being able to ride the bike.
"You need to have someone with Boycey's experience alongside you at these top meetings to help you out, and he's the man to do that."
It's no surprise that Street has those kind words of support for Boyce, who he has mentored since 1988.
Boyce, meanwhile, already has a World Cup gold medal of his own after helping Australia win as a rider in 2001.
Poole Castle Cover duo Holder and Davey Watt feature alongside Jason Crump, Leigh Adams and Ryan Sullivan for Australia tonight.
Krzysztof Kasprzak, who rode for Pirates earlier this season, leads Poland alongside the enigmatic Tomasz Gollob.
Team Great Britain host Denmark, Czech Republic and Sweden at Coventry in round two on Monday.
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