ALL BLACK TEAM.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 234, 4 October 1927, Page 5

ALL BLACK TEAM.

FIRST SELECTION APPROVED. CHANCES OP A "STALE VETERAN." RUMOURS IX THE SOUTH. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day.

The "Star's" Rugby critic says that so far the New Zealand Rugby selectors have shown wisdom by ignoring reputation and picking for South Africa only men who are fit and well and of the highest possible standard, judged on this year's form. It is sincerely to be hoped that they will persist in this course with the remaining sixteen.

Some uneasiness has been caused by the circulation of statements to the effect that one North Island back whose displays lately have been inferior is to be included, no matter what position he fills, evidently on the strength of his generalship, shrewdness, or some such quality. It is as well to remember, however, that stale veterans in any side are a handicap and not a blessing. More than that, their presence discourages young men and deadens enterprise. A team of fresh and fit Rugby footballers considered worthy of representing New Zealand on the South African fields will quickly provide its own leader. In any case, the veteran will be a year older and staler by 1928.