FIRST TEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 185, 6 August 1937, Page 9

FIRST TEST.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

TEAMS FOR TO-MORROW.

AUSTRALIA V. NEW ZEALAND

Given a fine day, brilliant football should be provided at Carlaw Park tomorrow afternoon when the Australian and New Zealand Rugby League representatives meet in the first Test. Although the ground is likely to be on the heavy side the Kangaroos can be relied upon to throw the ball about brightly and give the spectators a fine exhibition of the eode. The conditions underfoot should favour the New Zealand thirteen, who are a solid lot and should be capable of extending the visitors. The teams will be as follows:— AUSTRALIA. Full-back.—L. R. Ward. Three-quarters.—A. D. McLean, .T. J. Beaton, R. L. McKinnon, C. Hazelton. Half-backs.—E. J. Norman, P. Williams. Forwards.—,T. Gibbs. F. Nolan. S. Pearce. E. Lewis, R. Stehr, W. Prigg (captain). NEW ZEALAND. Full-back.—S. Watene. Three-quarters.—C. Davison, R. Chase, B. Riley. Five-eighths.—W. Tittleton, N. Bickerton. Half-back.—F. Halloran. Forwards.—,T. C'ootes. W. Glynn, A. Oault. .T. Brodrick, H. Tetley, E. Melx-od. The Kanparoos are evidently out to carry the day. as a defeat when they are embarking on a tour of Great Britain and France would adversely affect their drawing power. The team is speedy and well-versed in each other's play. The Eastern Suburlss (Sydney) Club's inside back combination, which has functioned so successfully in recent seasons—Norman. Beaton and McKinnon—as predicted yesterday, haa been preserved and these three players, unless carefully marked will be up to all manner of tricks. Williams, the scrum half,

opens iip the play well and his supports should not lack chances. The threequarter line has plenty of pace and includes A. D. McLean, who toured New Zealand last season with the Wallabies. Forward the Australians are particularly powerful and in W. Prigg. the captain, Stelir, Pearce and Lewis they have players of brilliance and experience.

Steve Watene lias been appointed captain of the New Zealand side by the eouncil of the New Zealand Rupby Leasrue. The ex-All Black, Mataira, Pickrang. the bustling Ponsonby forward, and Kay, the Ponsonbv centre, are not available owing to injuries, but, nevertheless, the selectors have chosen a well-balanced side which should do itself credit. Watene is a reliable last line of defence, while the three-quarters have weight and pace. Interest will centre in R. Chase, who has been playing brilliantly for Manukau, and much of the success or failure of the attack is likely to depend on him. The Richmond pair. W. Tittleton and N. Biekerton, in the five-eighth line, should combine effectively, while Halloran behind the pack should send the ball along at every available opportunity. The forwards have brains and brawn, and players of the type of Glynn, the West Coaster, Gault and Brodrick should be able to keep their opponents moving throughout. The game will be controlled T»y Mr. M. Wetherill and will be preceded by several interesting curtain-raisers. In the event of the day being wet the latter matches will be decided on No. 2 ground. The Australian party will visit Rotorua on Sunday and will be the guests of the Auckland Harbour Board on Friday next.

MATCH WITH MAORIS.

APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER. Advice was received at a meeting of the New Zealand Rugby League Council last evening from the" Maori Advisory Board to the effect that Mr. F.. K. Asher had been appointed manager of the Maori team to play the Australians on Wednesday next. The Maoris will wear white jerseys. Mr. P. Rogers was appointed Teferee for the Maori v. Australia match.

TOTTEY ON THE AORAHGI.

TO TRAVEL AS A VISITOR. SYDNEY, August 5. Fred Tottey, the ex-Waiknto plaver. who failed to pass the doctor and was replaced in the team for England, sailed for Auckland to-day by the Aorangi to join the Australian Rugby- League team at Auckland. The Rugby League Board of Control this evening formally granted Tottey permission to travel with the Kang.iroos <*u» a visitor. The board is awaiting a letter by the Awatea giving particulars of the financing of his trip.