GETTING READY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 171, 22 July 1930, Page 8

GETTING READY.

ALL BLACKS PRACTISE.

TRAINING AT EDEN PARK.

FINAL SELECTION ABOUT FRIDAY.

Serious training for the third Test was started by the All Blacks at Eden Park this morning, when all those selected, with the exception of George Nepia, appeared. There was a handful of spectators to watch th& work-out. Mr. E. ilcKenzie, chairman of the New Zealand selection committee, and manager of the All Blacks team for the third Test, kept an eye on his team, while the actual training operations were directed by C. G. Porter, captain of the New Zealand team in the last two Tests, and M. F. Nicholls, who schooled the backs.

With the idea of keeping No. 1 ground in good order for the big match next Saturday, the All Blacks carried out tlieir training on No. 2. First of all the w-liole team galloped round both No. 2 and No. 3 grounds. Then the forwards and backs separated. The forwards practised line-out work, dribbling and scrummaging, with Batty prominent with clever footwork. Hazlett's height told its tale in the line-outs. He jumped high for the ball, the rest of the forwards packed round him and off they went in a dribbling rush. Passing movements were practised next, all the forwards racing up the field at top speed. Despite his bulk, Stewart, was one of the fastest.

Nicholls and Strang practised goalkicking and botli were putting the ball over the posts from far out. Lucas and Cooke line-kicked to each other. Then followed some fast passing bouts, Corner feeding liis backs with, his usual swiftness.

Collaboration between the forwards and the backs was next tried. Stewart threw the ball in from a line-out, and Corner sent his backs away. There were some fast and furious passing rushes. Every man in the team looks exceptionally fit.

I. Finlayson, who lias ,a poisoned hand, will not be able to play on Saturday, but Mr. McKenzie said no extra forward would be selected to replace him. In the eighteen player provisionally selected there were nine forwards, so that one has still to be dropped. . Final selection of the New Zealand team will be made when the southern selectors arrive in Auckland. They are expected here on Thursday, and it is thought that he team will be announced on Friday. Although the team may be chosen from the following, the selectors can draw on any Aucklanders if they think fit: — Full-back: G. Nepia (East Coast). Three-quarters: G. Hart (Canterbury), F. W. Lucas (Auckland), D. Olliver (Otago). , Five-eighths: A. E. Cooke (Wellington), M. F. Nicliolls (Wellington), A. Strang (South Canterbury). Half-back: M. Corner (Auckland). Wing-forward: C. G. Porter (Wellington). Forwards: A. I. Cottrell (Canterbury), J. Hore (Otago), E. R. G. Steere (Ilawke's Bay), 11. T. Stewart (Canterbury), H. F. McLean (Wellington), W. Batty (Auckland), E. G. McWilliams (Auckland), W. Hazlett (Southland). G. Nepia lias not yet arrived in Auckland, but is expected this evening.