AUCKLAND'S FIRST.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 172, 23 July 1929, Page 13

AUCKLAND'S FIRST.

SELECTORS' INITIAL FAVOURS STRONG TEAM LIKELY. The group of players sorted out with a view to the nomination of Auckland 3 first 1929 representative team demonstrates essentially that the selectors have a respect for the South Auckland talent to' be pitted against Auckland on Saturday. That caution, following the experience of other years, is a wise one, for the southern district is said to be better equipped than ever with good material. Hence the city selectors, taking no chance?, will place tho strongest and most experienced side in the field. Other good players uot on the first list will probably get early opportunities to wear "rep." caps. In view of the selection of ■ Shortland, who has but the slightest baptism in League it is surprising Watene has not been .honoured for trial. There is a general feeling, however, that these new players should participate in the game for a definite period before being planked into a representative side over the heads of well-tried League exponents—this, irrespective of the merit of the former. Pleasing features of the backs named are S. Riley, Mine-ham and Mclntyre. The addition of Brady and Olliff would not have been amiss. The chosen forwards include rising packmen like Pascoe, Hamilton, Skelton, Fagan and Francisnew men whose recognition has been well merited. Hobbs is a forward who might well have justified trial. Taken all in all, the selectors have gathered together a smart lot of men and should have no difficulty in presenting a side that will uphold'tlie prestige of Auckland in the contest for reteiitVon of the Cup.