CAN DOMINION BEAT INDIAN XL.?

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 177, 29 July 1938, Page 13

CAN DOMINION BEAT INDIAN XL.?

THE SECOND TEST. MATCH AT WELLINGTON. TEAM CHANGES EXPECTED. It is evident that the New Zealand team for the second Test match against the Prince of Manavadar's Indian team, to be played at Wellington to-morrow, is being withheld so that the final choice will be mac!e according to ground conditions. With the announcement of the" 14 players after last Saturday's match it is apparent that the selectors were not entirely satisfied with some of the players in the first encounter. The inclusion of H. D. Jones (Auckland) in the full-back position would eliminate a lot of the misunderstanding in the back division, for he and F. S. Clark liave been partners in many encounters and fully understand one another's play. D. Loader (Canterbury) will most likelv replace T. Burtt, also of Canterbury, in the centre half position, and this should give added strength to the defence. T. Burtt had his hands too full last Saturday atiChristchureh trying to cope with»th*e fast-moving Indian vanguard, owing to bis lack of pace. R. Rusbridge (Canterbury) is not available to strengthen the forwards. This is unfortunate, as his inclusion might have brought leadership to the line. Xo doubt there will be a reshuffle in the placings of the forwards, but it is definite that G. S. Botting (Otago) will replace L. Best (Nelson), in the left wing position. It was in positional play that the Indians outclassed Xew Zealand in the first Test, but the Dominion players have had another week together and their com-

bination should be greatly improved. Then again some of the players were evidently Muttering from "stage fright"' and their experience last week should better fit them for to-morrow'g game. Now that they have learned quite a lot about the Indians' style of play they should be able to adopt tactics to counter their opponents' unorthodox methods of attack and defence. The ground conditions will play an important part in the final result, although it was surprising how the Indians adapted their play to the prevailing conditions ir Chrietehurch when the surface soon cu"( up and the ground was definitely againsi their last style of play. Prdbably the'team will be:— Goal: L.Hart (Manawatu). . Full-backs: :H. D. Jones (Auckland), F ! S. Clark,(Auckland). ■■ * Halve*: jW» Bowden {Canterbury), $ Loader (Canterbury), L. Watson (Auek land). Forwards: V. Bowden (Canterbury), M Brown (Wellington): R. Watchman' (Poverty Bay). R. Rough ton (Auckland). G Rotting (Otago).

LOCAL CHAJUEPIOHSHIF. At the Remuera grounds, the Auckland Hockey Association has set down for decision the fourth series of matches in the second round. Competition is bound to be keen for the leading teams are in an interesting position. Chief interest will centre in fine three o clock game between St. Luke's and Grammar Old Boys, and although on recent form St. Luke's should emerge the winners, the young Grammar -team may spring a surprise and will put up a stubborn fight. In the early game on No. 1 ground, commencing at 1.45 p.m.. United and Mount Eden will meet, and the hard-hitting Edenites are likely to trouble the leaders, especially if United fail to alter theit style to cope with their opponents' tactics. This should prove a battle of styles, with the odds in favour of the more experienced United team. Somerville and University will meet or No. 2 ground at 3 p.m., and this matcl should provide plenty of thrills. Teams: — ST. LUKE'S. Senior.—M. "Wattam. R. King, O. Peter son, K. Brodie. S. Robertson, N. Rice, G Sell. J. Carroll, M. Vlpond, X. Corin. A • Doel. Second Grade. —E. Appleby. C. Peterson A. Applehv. K. Holmes. O. Oakley. F. Abbot . R. McSkiniming. M. Scelly, G. Sell, W - Culluiu, R. Harvey. UNITED. Senior.—Butler,' Bowden, M. Jonet Bushell. Dowlins. Miller. WeUbowne, Mor teith, Torbet, McCormack, Fenton.