RUGBY

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 102, 4 May 1929, Page 22

RUGBY

BRITISH TEAM'S TOUR NEW ZEALAND'S PREPARATION With the British team coming to Keiv Zefeland next year, the Dominion's Rugby forces will be given a very close inspection this season. It is indeed most necessary, '■ao, that careful preparation should oe made for what has been generally termed the "British invasion," for the tourists will be making a strong attack on our Rugby prestige. Among the players provisionally selected for the trip are noted internationals as well as others who figured prominently in matches at Home last season, so that the side ought to be a very powerful combination, and one against which ■ we shall be required to pit our very best.

Not. since 190S, when Harding's Anglo-Welsh team was in the Dominion has New Zealand been visited by a team from England, and as the side which Mr. James Baxter is bringing out will be comprised not only of Englishmen, but of Irish, Scotch, English, and Welsh players, the tour will bo a most important event in the annals of New Zealand Rugby. The visit of the Springboks in 1021 created intense enthusiasm throughout New Zealand, but even judging from comments that have been made at this early date, it scorns that the British team's tour is likely to arouse greater interest. Early Selection. The players for the tour have been selected early, and the reason for this is indicated in the following message received from "The Post's" London correspondent, under date of 19th March;—"lt is understood that the members of the Selection Committee propose getting into early touch with players who may be likely candidates for the tour and giving them ample notice of the call that may come to them in the hope that they may thus be able to make the necessary arrangements to get away." Dominion's Preparation. The administrators of the game in the Dominion have not been slow to realise the potentialities of the British side. The New Zealand Rugby Union's Management Committee, in appointing the six selectors last week, decided that their duties arc not to cease at the cud of the present season. The selectors are to act this season, and, in view of the tour in 1930, next year also. They will be required to select a team to go to Australia nest month, and in making their selection they will doubtless have in mind the building up of a strong force to meet the British team. The tour to Australia has been criticised in somo. quarters, from the point of view that it is being made too early in the season, and also that visits between Australia and New Zealand are becoming too frequent. Asked for his opinion of the Australian tour as planned, Mr. E. M'Keuzic (Wairarapa) very quickly replied: "Personally I think it is to the advantage of New Zealand football that (he tour should take place early." There arc those who consider that wo •would be better advised this year in confining our attention to working up club and representative football instead of sending a team across tho Tasman. Still, tho toiir has been arranged, and it seems that it can bo of advantage in the moulding of Ncu- Zealand's team for next year. Back to OW Kules? Another matter to which attention hits been given by the Management Committee of the- Now Zealand Rugby Union, and also the Wellington Rugby "Union's Management Committee, is the question of reverting to international rules, in view of the British team's visit. 'Die Petonc Club made the suggestion that inter-provincial games and tho North Island v. South Island match should be played this season under the old rules, but ' when (he matter, after having been favourably received by tho Wellington Rugby Union was forwarded to the New Zealand Union, tho latter body's Management Committee decided to bring the question up at the annual meeting of delegates, making a wider suggestion that all matches this season and next be played under the international rules. The view generally held by members of the N.Z.R.U. Management Committee is that an opportunity should be given our players of playing under the old rules, which will be in practice in the matches in which the British team is engaged during the tour. It is highly questionable whether this suggestion will find favour with a majority; the Petono Club's idea would perhaps be more popular with a lot of the delegates. However, there is one thing about the New Zealand Management Committee's proposal, and that is that it will give delegates something to work ■upon; the suggestion can be modified, and those desirous of seeing tho old Tules played will probably have a better chance of getting something at the annual meeting of delegates by moving in the way intended than by first of all moving in the direction suggested by the Petone Club. Criticism from Hawkes Bay. The Rugby Union's decision, regarding the playing of tho old rules, which, by the way, was not a unanimous one, has given rise to some criticism. The Hawkes Bay Union, which protested against the early tour to Australia, is strongly against matches this year and next being played under tho laws laid down by tho International Board, and, according to reports, the union's delegales are to use every endeavour at the annual meeting nf the N.Z.R.U. tr prevent the suggestion being given effect to. The matter was brought up at the Management Committee meeting of the Bay Union las*, week, and the following are ottracta from a report of the proceedings which appeared in the "Hawkes Bay Herald": —

"Describing the New Zealand Rugby Union as getting 'panicky' over the forthcoming tour of the British team, Mr. N. A. M'Kenzio said that if the old rule* were reverted to it would mean a serious blow to club football. The Wellington Rugby Union was at the fool of the proposal, and he .thought it quite unnecessary that the oIS rulea should be played continually. 1 The chairman, Mr. J. W. Norrie, said that Wellington was the most conservative union in Neve Zealand, and as the New Zealand Management Committee was «iade up so strongly of Wellington men, it was natural that the conservative policy of the old rules being played should exist. 'The men who were so anxious to play the present rules are the same men who •want to go back to the international standard. Tho public will not fall for football if that type of game is played,' concluded Mr. Norrie.

"Mr. W. O'Neill remarked that when a New Zealand team went abroad it had to play in accordance with the rules of the country it was visiting, and he asked why visitors to New Zealand could not adopt our rules. "Mr. Norrie, replying, said that it ■was the recognised custom for games in New Zealand with visiting teams to be played under international rules. Mr. Nome further stated that it certainly looked as if Hie New Zealand Union was 'panicky.' It did not matter if New ZriilMnl did lose a game.

"Tin- suggestion was made by Mr. A. Kirkpatrick that the game should be

carried on as at present, but that the trials should bo played under the old rules. "The matter was then left in abeyance for a week, ia order to give other unions an opportunity to state their views, members considering it inadvisable to pass any resolution, in order to prevent bad feeling between the Hawkes Bay and Wellington Unions." A message from Christchurch this week intimated that the Canterbury delegates will be opposing the remit at the annual meeting. One member of the Canterbury Management Committee characterised the proposal as a "retrograde step" and "merely an unjustifiable match-winning move." '-'We Shall Need.Our Best." Speaking at the Management Committee meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union last week, the chairman (Mr. S. S. Dean) made plain his opinion of the British side. "Let there be no mistake about it," he said, "we shall need our very best players next! year." He considered that the tour to Australia by a team, including a leavening of experienced players, would be valuable for younger men. Solid forwards *ill be -required next year and fast backs. G. Macpherson and I. Smith, both of whom arc among the players selected for tho British team, are two brilliant backs who go well together. C. Aarvold is another who is highly thought of. Smith is very fast, and has earned the soubriquet "Tho -Plying Scotsman."

Ten of the twenty-nine players provisionally selected to make the trip to New Zealand took part in the international match between England and Scotland on 16th March, when Scotland was victorious by 12 points to 6, and thus won the international championship for the first time since 1025. They are the following:—l. Smith (Edinburgh University), G. P. S. Macphcrson (Edinburgh Academicals), W. M. Simmers (Glasgow Academicals), H. D. Greenloes (Leicester), J. B. Nelson (Glasgow Academicals), H. S. Mackintosh (Glasgow University), J. E. Paterson (Birkenhead Park), all of whom played for Scotland; T. W. Brown (Bristol), A. I. Novis (Army and Blaokheath), and H. Rew (Army and Exeter), who played for England. Commenting on the match, the correspondent of "The Observer" wrote:-—"The match was a personal triumph for Greenlees and Smith, 'the Flying Scotsman,' had recaptured his former prowess and was in splendid form. Macpherson nursed Smith well and did much good individual work. Another who stood out above his fellows was Bannerman, who led Ids men like a hero and never tired. Aitchison, the full-back, has improved a lot since the beginning of the season, and had none the worse of his duel with Brown. Kelson did all that was asked of him at tho base of the scrummage, and also worked the blind side with good effect. C. H. C. Brown scored a fine try, but most of tho play was on the other" wing. Simmers was good at tiniy, though not tho equal of Macpherson. ■' First Competition Games. The first flourish is over. Local interclub competitions in four grades, as well as the competitions confined to the secondary schools, were commenced on Saturday afternoon, and from to-day, when a start was to be made with the other grade competitions under the jurisdiction of the Wellington Union, the season will bo under way in earnest. With the opportunities that had offered for training and match play, it was.anticipated that players would show very fair form last week, and some of them did. Quite a few gave a very good account of themselves, although in somo instances the play was not just as good as 'anticipated. However, the games were tho first competition fixtures, and when all allowances arc made, it must be said that the season opened well with good promise of the earlier forecast of brighter club football being fulfilled. In a number of the games last week tho handling of tho ball was not quite up to standard—there was a good deal of fumbling—but with tho preliminary flourish over, there has been a noticeable quickening of inter.est in gymnasium work this week, and such faults as these arc bound to receivo attention. Players who were not included in Die first fifteens last week have no need to feel that they arc out of the picture. A number of players nre still being experimented with, and others who were stood down last week may still have a chance of pushing their claims to selection. Two Surprises. The two most notable happenings in tho senior A grade were University's very decisive defeat of Old Boys and Berhamporc's fine win from Poneke. They were indeed two surprise results. A close game was expected from tho meeting of Old Boys and University at the Park, and the best that their most ardent supporters anticipated of Berhamporo was that they would put up a good struggle. Bcrhamporo's hookers, Mollier and M'Donald, who have paired together for some time now, got more of the ball than their vis-a-vis, and the pack generally showed better dash. Poncke have a solid team, and Bcrhnnipore's win against them has considerably heartened the Light Blue supporters. It will bo interesting to see how Bcrhampore fare this afternoon with their old rivals, Marist, with whom they have fought out some very keenlycontested games. University's Convincing Win. By outplaying Old Boys so convincingly, University's stock has risen, and their followers look to them to maintain their achievements of last season with a feeling of greater confidence. Old Boys disappointed; their defence was not good, and for a good part of the game there was not enough dash about their play, Univertsity's backs and forwards showed very fair understanding of each other. The back division displayed a fine turn of speed, and provided some sparkling incidents, though at all times their handling was not snappy enough, and somo of it was faulty. Bamson, Mackay, and Foden wero a fast trio, with Leys and Irwin also well to the fore. Raruson was in great form, and, incidentally, his three goals from tries and two penalty goals provided a, good illustration of tho value to a team of a good kick. Some of the shots at goal were not easy either, but RamBon had his kicking boot on, and sent the ball between the posts beautifully. An Interesting Game. Although there was little spectacular play in the Marist-Oriontal match on tho Prince of Wales Park, both teams were evenly matched, and the game maintained its interest until the final whistle blew. Ragged play was only to be expected, but tho players wero in. good condition, and after a little more practice both teams should improve considerably. The Oriental backs handled the ball well, but their rushes lacked the determination of Marist, and they did not gain a great deal of ground. When the Marist backs broke away, however, Oriental were pressed to the utmost to hold them. Goal kicking was a weak point among the Oriental players, who were awarded several penalty kicks, none of which was successful. Of the Oriental backs Davies was most outstanding for his spirited attack and sure handling. Tho other inside backs, Sharp and Packnatz, also acquitted themselves well, while Nalder, on the wing, displayed aii excellent turn of speed whenever tho opportunity offered. Their full-back, Reid, was a little slow in getting rid of tho ball, and was caught in possession several times. Hill showed up very \v!' .-is wingforward, and under his leadership the rushes proved most successful. The hookers, Tasker and Smith, did their

work well, and sent tho ball cleanly out of tho scrums. Pox and Bolton were hard-working members of the pack, and were prominent throughout the game. Cuming, who filled the position of full-back for Marist, was in good form, and his well-judged line kicks and solid tackling were the main factors which kept Marist in the lead. A great deal of ground was gained for Marist by Condon, whose fast play on the wing left little to be desired. Eville, however, was not up to his last season's standard, and his fumbling of tho ball spoilt some promising chances. Keegan and Mac Donald figured prominently throughout the game. The Marist forwards engaged in solid team work, Cummings, M'Hardy, and Barry leading most of the rushes. To Keep the Crowd Back. With a view to preventing the crowd from encroaching upon the football field at the Petone Oval, as has happened this season, a deputation from the Petone Rugby Football Club, headed by Mr. H. A. Ryder, requested the Petono Borough Council on Monday to erect a fence along both sides o£ the field. It was thought also by the deputation that a request to the police to keep the crowd back would help. Tho council decided that a fence should bo put in, as requested, and it was left to llio engineer to expedite the matter. International Kugby. Writing of the match on 10th March, when Scotland won the International championship by defeating England, the "Observer's" correspondent said: "To sum up, England were outclassed at all points. They were not well togother, and tho experiment of wholesale changes on the occasion of the Calcutta Cup match was not justified. The last stages of tho game were rather distressing, for England were so clearly beaten, and Scotland might well have won even more easily. There was nobody to pull the side together, and they had not sufficient knowledge of each other, or confidence, to do it for themselves. It must be admitted that England fought gallantly uutil the last twenty minutes, but then they had lost their power of recovery and could not last the course. The forwards were excellent first and by ■ spasms all through, but they became ragged towards the close and lost their mastery of the tight scrummages." Modern Gymnasium.

The Berhamporc Club is having built a COft by 40ft gymnasium on land opposite Emerson Street Park, which, when completed, will, it is considered^ be one of the finest in the Dominion. The gym., which is now in course of construction, is being built in concrete, and will be tho only one of its kind in Wellington. It will be well appointed, provision having been made among other things for committeo rooms and a hot and cold water shower system. The building is expected to be ready by 11th June. The club hopes to bo able to arrange, for the installation of ilood lights at Emerson Street Park to further assist members in their training work. Notes. Tho llutt Vulley Primary Schools' Rugby Association, whicli was recently granted affiliation to the Wellington Rugby Union, has fourteen schools playing under its jurisdiction. Thero iiro twenty teams engaged in the association 's competitions. Of tho six selectors who chose the New Zealand team for South Africa, three are members of the Selection Committee appointed by the New Zealand Rugby Union hist week. They arc Messrs. N. M'Kenzic (Hawkes' Bay), A. J. Geddes (Southland), and "E. M'Kenzic (Wairarapa). Tho new selectors arc Messrs. A. M'Donald (Otagu), W. Maxwell (Canterbury), and O. Nicholson (Auckland), and" they replace Messrs. A. Adams, T. Millikrii, and W. A. Guy. Playing for Pirates in Dum-din this .season is A. W. Findlay, holder of the •140 yds New Zealand amateur athletic title. Ho is considered a promising wing tlircu-quarter. < When speaking at the animal meeting of tho Western Province Rugby Football Union, Mr. George Gie, the retiring president, appealed to players who thought that their playing days were done to take, up the work of coaching I mid to continue to take an active interest in tho game. Ho also sounded a note of warning for tho sake of South Africa's pride, that petty forms of professionalism should not bo allowed to creep into their football. Mr. Gie said it was "up to" South Africa to see that its youth and manhood wero kept out in the open air in good healthy amateur sport. A. C. AVallace, tho Waratah captain, has retired, says the "Sydney 1-fcfe-ree." His services will not be lost to (he game, as he has consented to coach Glebo-Balmain first grade team, of which he 'was captain when selected to tour with tho Waratahs. Wallace has played with conspicuous success for New South Wales, first gaining representation against New Zealand in liWl. A New South Wales Rhodes scholar, ho went to Oxford, where he won international honours, shining on tho wing for Scotland. His greatest triumphs, however, were with the Waratahs. Ho proved a great tactician, and tho Wallace touch was revealed in the brilliant play of the tourists.

It has been stated that F. D. Kilby, who has transferred to Wanganui, would not be playing this season. Tho following, however, appeared in a Wanganui paper after the opening matches of the Wanganui club championship: Most interest centred in the appearance of Kilby, the AH Black, and his display was watched with critical but appreciative eye by supporters and opponents alike. He was too well marked to be allowed much latitude, and in addition he was nowhere near fit. Still ho got through a lot of work when he changed places with Duncan, and his demonstration of how to get the ball away from tho scrum was an eye-opener. He should prove a decided acquisition to Wanganui football." Kilby has evidently joined up with the Pirates Club.

According to reports some excellent form was shown in the first club games of the season in Auckland. A writer in the Auckland "Star" gives his im- 1 pressions thus: The big crowd that assembled at Eden Park on Saturday had its sport well spiced with excitement. First University, club champions of last year, were tumbled in the curtain-raiser by the youthful Training College fifteen. Then came the crash of Ponsonby. A club side containing eight New Zealand representatives, a team which ever p>ays electrical football, and which had been tipped as invincible this season, was crumpled by Grammar's gnashing forwards, supported by a light brigade of young backs. And it was electric football, full of dash and vigour, with thrilling incidents arising from heady tactics flashed across in perfect hand-and-foot combination, either to thwart a dangerous opposition thrust, or to press home to success a brilliant attack. So little of crudity, or first-of-season fumbling, was there that the play would have graced any season's premiership) final. The following have boon appointed as the Canterbury Rugby Union's selectors for the season:—Messrs. W. Maxwell, P. Harvey, and E. B. Masters.