RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 192, 15 August 1925, Page 25

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

NOTES AND COMMENTS,

In 1923 Southland won 21-11 at Invercargill, and Otago won 28-8 in Dunedin; in 1924, Southland won 21-9 at Rugby Park, and Otago capped it with 24-14 in Dunedin. This year Southland has kicked off with a 15-5 victory. What will happen in Dunedin on August 22?

An American who witnessed the recent games in Sydney between New Zealand and New South Wales expressed surprise at what he regarded as feeble attempts at tackling. "'Anyhow," said the visitor, "how can you expect the chaps to tackle when they have so little clothing on them ?" This of course, was a criticism on the outfit of local players as compared with the armour of the complete American.

"Certain to develop into a half-back of New Zealand standard, F. Kilby, the snowy-headed Southlander has already nothing to learn on defence," says a Christchurch critic. "He can scoop up the ball from any kind of a ground, and he tackles gamely. When Kilby can size up an offensive opening quicker he will earn high honours."

E. J. Thorn has been chosen as captain of the New South Wales team to tour New Zealand, and T. Lawton as vicecaptain. C. Fox, who was not available, has been replaced by'B. Judd (Western Suburbs), and B. W. Windeyer's place has been taken by J. Ford (Glebe-Bal-main). J. P. Mulligan and F. W. Meagher (Randwick), were selected in the half and centre positions, which were left vacant in the previous selection. The selection committee of the team whilst in New Zealand, will comprise Harold Baker (manager), E. J. Thorn and T. Lawton. The New South Wales captain, E. J. ("Ted") Thorn, is one of the greatest forwards the Union game has known in New South Wales. Many critics bracket his name with those of Drs. Hughes, Howard Bullock, H. W. Moran, and others of the champion forwards. He is an able leader whose play in itself is an inspiration. There is every indication of a reasonable amount of success for the party. Tom Lawton's advice and experience should be invaluable to the team. He will be leader of the backs and as these are mostly youngsters of promise, Lawton should "mould them into a first-class combination.

This is how a 1924 All Black informed a Dunedin writer he would pick the New Zealand three-quarter line to play New South Wales in the Test match at Auckland on September 19—Svenson, Cooke, Robilliard.

MR. "JIMMY" PASCOE,

President of the Auckland Bowling Centre, has a hard row to hoe in following so popular a chief as Mr. Jack rlardley, but he tir.s had a long apprenticeship as 'vice," and he is just the genial personality to follow the present execuninion Association. As player ana omcer he has a fine record, and hie selection aa head of the local centre was a very popular one.

Possessing speed and weight, the Banks Peninsula forward, N. Waghorn, did good service for Canterbury against Southland and against Hawke's Bay. He is trained to the minute, and as keen on the game as McCormack, of Ashburton. Both are fine types of the Rugby man now being produced by encouragement of country football in the Canterbury province. .