LEAGUE TEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 229, 27 September 1935, Page 12

LEAGUE TEST.

AUSTRALIA V. NEW ZEALAND.

TO-MORROW'S ATTRACTION,

TETLEY REPLACES ANDERSON.

The first Rugby League Test match of the J935 series—the fifth in the whole history of the game against Australia— " ill take place at Carlaw Park to-morrow. A stiong New Zealand team has been chosen and trained for the occasion and should give a good account of itself in the quest tor the "Ashes" and the Courtney Goodwill Cup. The Australians, who beat Auckland by 10—8 and the combined team at Wellington 45—31 on Wednesday, should also be in better trim for a notable clash. Never has a Aew Zealand side been so well prepared, the contcst should be remarkably fasl, j?.* V 1 and spectacular and a test of team efficiency in every respect. The visitors already have given a taste of their brilliance.

t Strong New Zealand Side. ~ 'f! ,u . New Zealand team to take the held is capable ot' giving a fine display m keeping with national reputation. Captained by A. E. Cooke, at l'ull-back, it should lully extend the visitors. The three-quarter line is solid and fast. It the South Aucklander Tittieton reveals that brilliance which is expected of him, sharp penetration and polish, supplemented by the timely outward or inward pass—the backs should be seen in full cry. IJIO wingers are Lou Brown, who does not need much encouragement, and -Urn ell am, who has all the attributes of a star three-quarter—the speed and eye fjr an opening. Cooke may be depended upon tp introduce a little more of the enteipiise he showed in the opening match, when JlO was studying the actioj of the visitors. The five-eighths after their earlier experience should be at their best, provided, of course, Powell at ha!'baek sends the ball away with the accuracy and crispness which is ant.'cipated. The inside backs have a very responsible duty both 011 attack and defence. Prentice, a matured international, is now in the form which earned him a great compliment from Vic Hey iast year. It will not be surprising if his thrust is a big factor in the game. The opening struggle^of the tour revealed th>2 possibilities of Kay and with the vigilant Tittieton co-operating the intermediate action should be developed to some purpose.

Although the New Zealand pack is noc as heavy as it might have been, it comprises six men of proven quality, in spite of tlxo fact that the South Islander Anderson has been dropped owing to an ankle injury which did not improve sulliciently to warrant the player being retained for such an important fixture. His pla-.e at breakaway is logically taken by Tetley, the Richmond loose forward, who played himself into the team on Saturday. The second row men are Satherly and Glynn. The former has shown more zest than last Saturday and probably will be better tuned up for the coining contest. His associate, the sturdy West Coaster Glynn, needs no recommendation and, apart from his ability in the tight rucking, is a good scoring man in the loose. New Zealand's front row is one that can be relied upon to meet emergency. In the middle as hooker is Lou Hutt, one of the most adaptable of forwards and one who uses his head as well as his great strength and speed. On one side he has Jim Caldcr (West Coast), who has never beon fitter for the fray, and on the other hand that grand Marist and Auckland forward Laird, who will be keen to get the try lie lost in the first match. The beavv artillery will just about make evens with the Australian sextet, the average weight of the pack being approximately 13.10. Australia Without Norman.

Australia will bo represented by a powerful thirteen, which, after two matches of the tour, should be finding its feet. It is not to be taken lightly, in spite of the good showings of the opposition in two matches to date. As forecasted, the Test team is likely to be very similar to that which confronted the Auckland representatives, except that the brilliant Norman is missing in the inside, being replaced by Gilbert, the Queenslander, who apparently revealed good form at Wellington against the combined team. The three-quarters, with the possible exception of Hincw, whose shoulder was not too good after the Auckland match, will remain, with the magnificent Dave Brown, supported •by McKinnon, m the central positions. Goodwin, the Balmain winger, may play his first Test. He will take some holding. Million, oil the other Hank, may be seen to greater advantage than in his first outing. Supported by that impressive fullback, Laurie Ward, the Australian backs constitute a glittering set, but they may miss that onset so admirably given by Norman. If the giant Queenslander, Biehel, and Eric Lewis, the versatile South Sydney forward arc included in the side, the pack, with the exclusion of Prigg, will l)c similar to that which stepped out so brilliantly against the Auckland team. Prigg is a grand forward, and is evidently being rested for the occasion. The public will see G'ibbs, Pearce. Stclir, Fairall and Curran, henchmen of a great vanguard. However, if the Auckland forwards do their stuff there should bo little between the two sots of forwards.

Dominion's Chance. Auckland lost the opening match principally through inability to win the ball from the scrums, and if, on this occasion, tilo hooking peculiarities arc mastered New Zeulifnd may have a bigger say in the first Test than is generally expected. The strict retirement of half-backs at the scrums also is desirable. All things considered, a great match to-morrow should be witnessed. The team will be as follow: — New Zealand. (All Black.) Full-back: A. E. Cooke, captain (Auckland). Three-quarters: L. Brown (Auckland), W. Tittleton (South Auckland), E. T. Mincham (Auckland). Five-eighths: A. Kay and S. Prentice (Auckland). Half-back: Powell (Auckland). Forwards: J. Calder (West Coast), Lou Hutt. J. Laird, C. Satherly (Auckland), W. Glynn (West Coast), and H. Tctlcy (Auckland). Australia. (Green and Gold.) Full-back: L. Ward (N.S.W.). Three-quarters: W. Mahon (Queensland), Dave Brown, captain (N.S.W.), R. McKinnon (N.S.W.), S. Goodwin (N.S.W.), Ray Hincs (N.S.W.), (one to be omitted). Half-backs: F. Gilbert (Queensland), V. Thicknesse (N.S.W.). Forwards: It. Stchr, P. Fairall, F. Curran, J. Gibbs, S. Pearce (all N.S.W.), H. Bichel (Queensland), E. Lewis (N.S.W.). One to be omitted. CITY ROVERS. Reserve Grade.—Hughes, Brown, Malier, Bnrchnrd, Olson, Tawliai. Hira, Belshnm, I'eaehey, Dufty. Donovan, Thompson, Magic, Purdy, Buttons, Callinan. COUNCIL MEETING. ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETE. At a lengthy meeting of the council of the New Zealand Rugby League last evening, Mr. Cyril Snedden presiding, it was reported that . in accordance with practice for international matches three names had been submitted as referees for Saturday, and the visiting managers had chosen Mr. M. Wetherill. Messrs. P. Rogers and W. Simpson will be linesmen. Mr. W. J Taylor, manager of the New Zealand team, stated that, with one exception, all the New Zealand players were fit, and had carried out solid training this week under Mr. T. A. McClymont. Anderson, the West Coast forward, would be unable to appear, an injured ankle having failed to respond in the way expected. He had been medically examined, and would be returning to the West Coast

on Sunday evening. Anderson was a very disappointed young man, but his rejection could not be avoided, as it was essential for every player to be perfectly fit. His place would be taken by HTetley, of Auckland. Mr. Taylor said the team would be well equipped for the match. Arrangements for the taking ot special moving pictures of the game trorn the grandstand roof had been made. Congratulations were extended to Auckland on its display against Australia, on the motion of Mr. Sneddon, who said he thought it showed the public that the standard of play was now high. If the same plane of play was shown by iNeiv Zealand on Saturday supporters could look forward to the contest with happiest expectations. It was reported that W. Telford was 011 insurance owing to injury, and Quirke, the hooker, had had three teeth smashed. It was decided that unemployed be admitted to the ground again at one shilling, and 011 Wednesday, the occasion of the second Test, to issue a special invitation to school children. Mr. W. O. Carlaw, who viewed the Wellington match, said it was a line, fast and open exhibition, at the end of which the New Zealand team was doing well against the Kangaroos, who were shocked to have 31 points registered against them. The Australian team is to be entertained by George Court's on Monday at a special luncheon, and in the evening they will be guests at the wrestling at the Town Hall. A special gathering is being arranged later for the presentation of the Courtney Goodwill Cup. YORKSHIRE CUP GAME. (Deceived 9 a.m.) LONDON, September 20. In the Northern Union Yorkshire Cup series, second round, Foatherstone lost to Dewsbury, - —12.