LEAGUE TEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 178, 29 July 1932, Page 11

LEAGUE TEST.

. ) ENGLAND V. NEW ZEALAND. GREAT CONTEST EXPECTED. CHANGE IN HOME TEAM. One of the finest expositions of the Rugby Leacue code ever eeen in Auckland is expected at Carlaw Park,, when the English Rugby League touring team of 1932, with the famous fullback, Jim Sullivan, as captain, will meet the elect of New Zealand in the first of three Test matches, the second of which will be played at Monica Park, in Ohristohurch, and the third in this city. In view of the reports of the skill shown by the visitors in their Australian programme, it is not surprising that a great deal of public interest is manifested in the tourists, and the possibility of their defeat iby the All Blacks. The Englishmen opened their tour with a brilliant display before an appreciative crowd at Whangarei, and returned to Auckland last evening. The majority of those trippers were having their first outing in the Dominion in preparation for the Test. England, the home of the game, of which His Majesty King George is now patron, always sends strong teams abroad. Whilst the present tourists come with an exceptional reputation, it is true generally that public opinion always hae been pessimistic about the chances of home sides. In many cases, however, there have been pleasant surprises, and to-morrow's international clash .presents the,t possibility. The English team will have the advantage of weight and experience, its forwards being solid, and the backs racy and skilful. Against that New Zealand will field, a side that lacks nothing in forward ability, and both, in the pack and in the rearguard well-tried players will be assisted by young players of outstanding merit. Unfortunately, a leg injury suffered by P. Hart, of West Coast, in the Inter-Island match, has not improved sufficiently to enable him to pass the doctor and .play. His pdace on the wing is filled by R. W. Smith, a young Devonport Club member. Both Teams Are Keen. With a fair share of the ball, it will be found that the youthful virility of the All Blacks will play an important part in the result. They have been hard at training, under the special coach, Mr. W. M. Kelly, who yesterday put them through their final paces over at Devonport. A few more daye of preparation might have served a very useful purpose for the team, according to the mentor, but the boys themselves declare that they are fit as fiddles for th'e fray. On the other hand, the Englishmen and their managers are quietly confident, but have a high respect for the wearers of the fernleaf. The .booking of seats indicates much interest in the match, and extra provision has been made with seating accommodation. The teams will be as follows:— New Zealand. Full-back.—A. Laing (Auckland). Three-quarters.—R. Smith (Auckland), C. List (Auckland), L. Scott (Auckland). Five-eighths. — H. Brisbane, captain (Auckland), A. E. Cooke (Auckland). Half-back.— J. Masters (West Coast). Forwards.— J. Cakler (West Coast), E. St. George (Auckland), R. Stephenson (South Auckland), M. O'Brien (West Coast), T. Timms (South Auckland), L. Hutt (Auckland). England. Full-back.— J. Sullivan (captain). i Three-quarters.—A. Ellaby, A. Atkinson, J. Risman, &. Smith. Five-eighth.—S. Brogden. Half.—B. Evans, R. Davies (one to be omitted). _ T Forwards.— J. F. Thompson, J. Lowe, W Williams, N. Silcock, M. Hodgson, A. E.'Fildcs, W. Horton, J. Feetham (two to be omitted).