SELECTING RUGBY TEAMS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21967, 16 December 1936, Page 8

SELECTING RUGBY TEAMS

MEN TO MEET THE SPRINGBOKS

CONCENTRATION IN ONE CENTRE

A concentration of more than 60 of New Zealand's leading Rugby players in one centre for trial matches before the selection of the New Zealand team to meet South Africa's touring team is proposed for next year by the New Zealand Rugby Union. The outline of this scheme has been set out in a circular to provincial unions, which have been invited to contribute comment and suggestions concerning the proDosal. The New Zealand Rugby Union's circular is as follows: — "The method of selection of New Zealand teams in the past has not proved satisfactory; the committee has decided, therefore, to alter the system for next year, and submits the following scheme for your consideration. Any suggestions which your union may care to offer will be welcome, and will receive the careful consideration of the management committee:— "(1) Unions to submit nominations from their local selectors, only such players who are absolutely up to standard to be nominated. From the nominations forwarded the New Zea- | land selection committee to choose 66 players Who will be assembled in a centre; and from these players the North Island and South Island teams and four trial teams will be selected.. "(2) On the first Saturday the North Island v. South Island match to be played and trial matches to be arranged on, the following Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. "(3) The New Zealand selectors to draft the players into four teams, A. B, C, and D, which will play two games on each day of the trials, the selectors to rearrange the players throughout the series, or during the games, as they deem fit. the intention being to build up on the A team through the series of trials, and at the end of the third day the A team will be, as near as possible, the New Zealand team. "(4) During the trials the selectors to have the right to dismiss any candidates whom they consider are not up to standard, and to call on others to substitute them. "(5) The New Zealand team to be selected after the third day's trials."