SELECTING THE ALL BLACKS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22143, 13 July 1937, Page 15

SELECTING THE ALL BLACKS

Two Trial Matches at Wellington Yesterday

THREE APPARENT CERTAINTIES

Good Form Shown by Mitchell, Hooper, and Rankin

(From Our Own Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July 12. To-day’s trial matches for the selection of the All Black team to meet the Springboks came almost as an anti-climax to the intense interest and excitement of the inter-island game on Saturday. The standard of play in both matches was well below that of Saturday’s big game, and a comparative handful of spectators saw the first-—a rather scrappy draw between two well-matched teams—and then a runaway victory in the second game. The weather was fine, but a strong northerly wind proved difficult for the players and had a marked influence on the trend of play.

Gratifying form was shown by all the Canterbury players engaged in this afternoon’s games, and, indeed, by nearly all the South Islanders, and it is apparent that the high standard of the South Island players will entitle them to more than their usual representation in the All Blacks.

Two of the three men who appeared as certainties after the island fixture confirmed the critics’ good opinions to-day. The first of these was N. A. Mitchell, the Southland centre, whose speed and determined running made him appear more than ever a match winner. Mitchell played a big part in the Probables’ overwhelming victory in the second match, but unfortunately the defence was not such as to test him severely. The second was J. G. Rankin, the Canterbury loose forward, who followed up his magnificent display in the island match with a performance for Mitchell’s team which, if anything, was better than Saturday's. There has been a certain hostility to Rankin evident in the writings of northern critics, and the comment is frequently heard that New Zealand cannot afford to play him as a loose forward against the heavy Springbok pack. The Canterbury man must by how have convincingly shown them that Now Zealand cannot afford to play without him. As a spoiler and as a constructive attacking man, Rankin was worth many points to both the teams he has so far played for. His sure tackling has shown to disadvantage the half-hearted defensive work of many other players engaged in the trials.

remaining nominated wings seen today. None was impressive except McAneny, who was almost the only one to defend solidly. Mitchell is the onlv possible choice for centre. B. A. Killeen (Auckland), who represented New Zealand in this position last year, was expected to challenge him for his place, but in the first match to-day he did very little against an Deposition that was mediocre. He failed entirely, too. to make openings for his winps, anti often crowded them on to the touchlines. W. J. Fulton (Wellington), who opposed Killeen, was steady and solid, without being brilliant. A. Hansen, who opposed Mitchell, let the Southland man through consistently in the first nan of the game, but later surprised by his brilliant tackling.

A New Inside Back One of the outstanding performances of the day among the five-eighths was provided by a player who has not come into the reckoning previously. A. Strachan. the tall and fast Buller man, who played soundly on the wing against Canterbury a few weeks ago. To-day he showed definite talent for inside back play, and his straight and penetrative running made things easier for Mitchell, and also had a big part in his team’s cricket scoring. His opposition was not of the strongest. D. Lane (Marlborough) had to retire early and was replaced by J. A. Purdue (Southland), whose real place is half-back. Such is the shortage of players for the trials in Wellington just now. Strachan, however, appears to be the best second five-eighths the trials have so far produced, with the exception of Hooper. J. J. McAuliffe (Canterbury) is steadily establishing his right to be the successor to B. S. Sadler for this year’s test team. Again to-day he impressed as the soundest of the four half-backs seen in action. His sureness in picking up and the accuracy of his passes were again features of his play. He initiated attacks from all sorts of positions, and though playing behind the weaker ■ pack in the first match, his steadiness and resourcefulness on both attack and defence were admirable. The North Island’s favourite for the half-back position was L. Clothier (Hawke’s Bay), who played in the Island game. On Saturday he gave a solid enough display, but he fell far below that standard this afternoon, and was not at all convincing behind the Possibles’ scrum in the second game. L. Russell (Waikato) indeed, outplayed him, and as one of the youngest and smallest of the candidates for this position acquitted himself very well. His game, however, lacks solidity. C. Saxton, the former Otago representative, now of South Canterbury, is also small and light, but in the early game played enter prisingly, one fine solo run by him leading directly to a try. Remarkable Hooking One of the features of to-day’s matches was the remarkable hooking of G. Orman (Buller) for the beaten Possibles team in the second tfiatch. Orman was opposed to the brilliant Auckland All Black hooker, W. E. Hadley, and until well on in the game won the ball with monotonous regularity. In the inter-island match, when backed by a light pack, Orman more than held his own with A, Barnbourn (Wellington), another fancied candidate for this year’s team. Truly, the small but wiry Buller man is a brilliant hooker, probably the best in New Zealand. He is an excellent allround forward, too, but the strain of two tremendously hard matches in three days obviously affected him. Today he was not seen to such advantage' in rucks and in the loose as he was on Saturday, when he was on the ball from start to finish. Rankin’s brilliant loose forward play has already been referred to, and other Canterbury forwards In the trials today confirmed the very favourable impressions of Saturday’s play-. ,It w* ll be no surprise to see H. Milliken in the final selection of the All Blacks. He has improved here on his consistently fine displays in Canterbury. He is one forward whose whole weight is always thrown into tight play, and the genuineness of his toiling is in marked contrast to some of the trial men, who are always looking for chances to v shine in the loose. Milliken has also been effective in line-outs, and he has shown that he can dribble with the best. C. W. Williams, the young Canterbury College player, is improving with every game he has in good company, and he was one of the hardest grafters in the successful Probables team in the second match. He showed hin.self a fine rucking forward, with ability to make good use of his unusual speed in the loose. Finding the Locks Milliken to-day had as his partner in locking the Probables scrum in the first match Tori Reid (Hawke’s Bay). Reid showed more if the dash that earned him a big reputation in Britain, and whereas in the Island match he was rarely seen in the open, this time he led some good loose rushes, as well as working honestly in the tight. Williams’s partner in the later game was Ron King, the West Coast stalwart, who fully maintained his grand form of Saturday, in spite of a slightly sprained thumb. It seems likel;- that the All Black locks will come from King, Reid, and Milliken.

The third player who is looked on almost as a certainty is J. A. Hooper (Canterbury), whose injured ankle prevented him playing to-day. There were one or two impressive five-eighths in the second day’s matches, but ntpne was able to emulate Hooper’s dazzling displav in the island game. Still more Wellington players were called in to take part in the trials, and it appears that the selectors were unduly conservative in the number of nominated plavers they summoned to Wellington. Some of the stop-gaps played well enough to give good support to thdlr tearq-mates, and good opposition to their opponents: The others were definitely weak, and some men today were unlucky in being part of a combination that had too many weak links to be effective.

Strong 1 Five-eighths J. L. Griffiths, the Wellington All Black captain last year, and w. G. Brooks (Canterbury), both five-eighths, had to drop out of to-day’s matches through injuries that do not, however, promise to be serious. The position has been accentuated by D. Trevathan, Otago’s famous goal kicker, being unable to stay for more than the island game. It may well be Trevathan’s own loss, for though he played a game on Saturday that could not be faulted, there are some strong candidates for the first five-eighths position. It will be regrettable if there are no further chances this week of measuring Trevathan against them, but it is possible yet that he will be able to come to Wellington for Saturday’s final games. In particular, C. Crossman (King Country) is likely to catch the eye of the selectors, for in the first match to-day he showed something of the brilliance which has been so much lauded by North Island critics this season. On Saturday Crossman made practically no attempt to go through on his own. To-day he showed elusiveness, great speed off the mark, and a keen eye for an opening. As one might expect in an inexperienced player, he did not always show ability to link up with his supports, but he satisfied all requirements on defence. He was opposed to-day by D. Solomon, the Auckland All Black, whose very good tackling of Crossman really served to show just how brilliant Hooper’s attack was. In spite of his speed and dash. Crossman was not able to make much impression on Solomon’s defence, whereas on Saturday Hooper slipped past the Aucklander time and time again. On attack Solomon was inclined to try too much on his own, and he usually finished in Crossman’s arms. These players are both regarded as having a chance for the first five-eighths position, and they watched each other as closely as a pair of cats. Altogether it was a very interesting duel, with the honours slightly in favour of Crossman. The Full-backs G. D. M. Gilbert (West Coast) and J. Taylor (Otago) sorted themselves out on Saturday as leading claimants for the full-back position, and they were in opposing teams to-day. After their further trial it must be admitted that there is little between the two men. Both are prodigious kicks, and very sure takers of the ball. In the final analysis it may be a toss-up between Gilbert’s known ability on a heavy ground, and Taylor’s slightly greater speed. S. F. Easton (North Otago) was better than H. R. Pollock (Wellington) in the other game. For the wingers, the first trial today was no trial at all, for chain passinrf movements that got as far as the wings without breaking down were rare indeed. On the other hand, the Probables’ wings in the second game received a feast of the ball, and were given every chance of impressing the selectors. J. Dick (Auckland) made such good use of his chances as to score six tries. He is a tricky runner, with a quick sidestep, and a deceptive change of pace, and he beat an often appallingly weak defence with ease. T. Morrison (South Canterbury) also shared in the scoring, and he must be reckoned as a strong candidate. Generally a tigerish tackier, he has unaccountably let one or two defensive blemishes mar otherwise fine displays in both games. D. G. Cobden (Canterbury) had to make all his own chances in the early match, and his determined running certainly did nothing to diminish his chances of selection, even though he had little opportunity of enhancing his reputation. Cobden will almost certainly figure in the final trials. J. Sullivan (Taranaki) was on the injured list to-day, and with the three before mentioned men appears to be the pick of the wings. A. E. McAneny (Poverty Bay), A. Sutherland (Southland), W. A. Black (Otago), and H. Dixon (King Country) were the

A. A. Parkhill (Otago), who played solidly in the inter-island match as an anchor forward, was one of the locks to-day, with F. H. Fraser-Smith (Wellington), and both gave good accounts of themselves, J. J. Best, formerly of Marlborough, and now a Waikato representative, was too spasmodic in his play to be convincing. Of the side and back row men, apart from Rankin. M. Scandrett (West Coast) again played splendidly in the early match, and A. H. Andrews (Welling-

FEW COMBINED MOVEMENTS

WING THREE-QUARTERS STARVED YESTERDAY’S SCORING MOVEMENTS [From Our Own Reporter.) WELLINGTON. July 12, Perhaps a certain amount of selfishness is inevitable in trial matches in which the players are concerned more with their own performances than with that of their team. Certainly the first of the trial matches at Ath(letic Park to-day was affected by the tendency of players to attempt too much on their own. Really good combined movements were rare, and the ball seldom reached the wings at the end of a passing rush. The result was a draw, although Possibles had considerably the better of the run of play. Gilbert captained the Possibles, and McAulifle the Probables.

The teams were; — POSSIBLES Full-back: G. Gilbert (West Coast). Three-quarters: J. McAneny (Poverty Bay). B. A. Killeen (Auckland), D. G. Cobden (Canterbury). Five-eighths: H. Fleming (Wellington), second: C. Crossman (King Country). Half-back; C. Saxton (South Canterbury), , Forwards: J. O. Hattersley (Canterbury), D. Dalton (Hawke’s Bay), J. Finlay (Manawatu); A. H. Andrews (Wellington), S. Reid (Hawke’s Bay), H. Milliken (Canterbury). M. Scandrett (West Coast); R. R. Hull (Auckland). PROBABLES Full-back: J. Taylor (Otago). Three-quarters: D. Patterson (Wellington), Fulton (Wellington). A. Sutherland (Southland). Five-eighths: J. Thurston (Wellington). second; D. Solomon (Auckland*. Half-back: J. J. McAuliffe (Canterbury). Forwards: C. E. Quaid (Otago), A. Lambourne (Wellington), T. H. Pearce (Auckland); A. Anderson (Auckland). Parkhill (Otago). F. H. Fraser-Smith (Wellington), J. McClenaghan (Taranaki); R. Ward (Southland). For the Possibles’ territorial advantage, chief credit must go to a hardworking pack of forwards, led by Reid, Milliken, Hattersley, and Scandrett. The backs did not make very good use of their chances. Crossman and Fleming lacking any combination, and Killeen failing to lend thrust to an attack which too often had lost headway by the time it reached him. The Probables’ backs, on the other hand, handled very soundly, and excelled in opportunist moves. The Probables’ forwards, too, went well in the loose.

Probables played against a strong wind in the first spell. Dalton scored for Possibles after Killeen, held up close to the line, had managed to get the ball away to Scandrett. Gilbert converted. Possibles 5. Probables 0. The Probables’ forwards had the better of some exchanges, and after a rush in which Ward and Parkhill were prominent, McClenaghan scored. Taylor goaled well. Possibles 5, Probables 5.

Saxton made a break past the scrum, and handed on to Crossman, who scored. Gilbert converted. Possibles 10, Probables 5.

A wild pass by a defender let Reid away, with Killeen in support, and the latter scored a runaway try, Gilbert goaling. The half-time score was Possibles 15, Probables 5. McClenaghan was the next scorer for Probables, who attacked with the wind behind them. Sutherland made the opening by snapping up a dropped pass. Taylor goaled splendidly. Possibles 15. Probables 10 Tavlor came into a oassing rush on the blind side, drew Gilbert, and sent Sutherland on a 60-yard run for a try at the corner. Taylor’s fine goal brought the scores level just before time. The Second Game Well led by Mitchell and Strachan, the Probables’ backs dominated play in the second trial game. In spite of the handicap of receiving a very small share of the ball from the scrums, they proved adepts at starting surprise movements from unorthodox positions, and their forwards fed them well from line-outs and rucks. Possibles fielded practically a scratch back line after Lane, the second five-eighths, had to be replaced early in the game by Purdue. a Southland half-back. The Probables’ forwards also had better leadership under King, and Rankin. O’Dowda. Williams, and Strang provided plenty of drive to the loose rushes. Mitchell captained the Probables and Clothier the Possibles. The teams were:— POSSIBLES Full-back: H. R. Pollock (Wellington). , , . Three-quarters: W. A. Black (Otago), A. Hansen (Wellington), H. Dixon (King Country). , , Five-eighths: D.Lane (Marlborough), second: H. Bradley (Hawke’s Bay). Half-back: L. Clothier (Hawke s forwards: E. Jackson (Hawke’s Bay), G. Orman (Buller), J. Wells (Wellington), R. M. McKenzie (Manawatu), W. J. Trusttum (King Country), J. Best (Waikato), C. Chesterman (Southland), and G. Mason (Buller). ~ PROBABLES Full-back: S. F, Easton (North Otago). . .. Three-quarters; T. Morrison (South Canterbury), N. A. Mitchell (Southland), J. Dick (Auckland). Five-eighths: A, Strachan (Buller), second, R. Veitch (Wellington). Half-back: L. Russell (Waikato). . Forwards: L. George (Southland), W. E. Hadley (Auckland), C. Pepper (Auckland), J. G. Rankin (Canterbury), ». R. King (West Coast). C. W. WiMams (Canterbury), D. O Dowda (Taranaki), G. Strang (South CanterReserves —Backs: J. Purdue (Southland), R. Veitch (Wellington): for-

ton) showed bursts of brilliance in the loose. Andrews is not quite the player Canterbury enthusiasts remember, although he is playing better now than when the 1935 All Blacks were chosen. To-day R; M. McKenzie looked much more like the champion All Black of 1935. and he was one of the few forwards who made a good attempt to keep the beaten Possibles team together in the second game. McKenzie used his weight in the rucks, and excelled in line-out play. Chesterman (Southland) worked hard in support of McKenzie, but G. Mason (Buller), in the same team, was not quite as impressive as on Saturday. C. O Dowda (Taranaki) and G. Strang (South Canterbury). in the opposing team, were always on the ball. Ward (Southland) was solid and reliable all through. J. O. Hattersley (Canterbury) again played a splendid game in the early match in the same pack as Milliken and Reid, and northern critics are favourably impressed with his chances of All Black honours. Though not a tall player, Hattersley was one of the best line-out players in the game, and he was always one of the first to pack round solidly in the rucks. Hattersley s chances of selection are improved by a slight decline in form of D. Dalton and E. Jackson, both of Hawke’s Bay, who were in the front row of the New Zealand scrum last year. Neither appears to be putting his full weight into the tight work, although Dalton’s form to-day was better than in the inter-Is-land match on Saturday. Moreover, he hooked very well. Pearce, a rugged Auckland front row man, is a bollocking type of player, but he lacks the finer points hi the game. Quaid (Otago) again revelled in the hard work.

wards: F. J. Green (Otago), M. W. Devine (Wellington), G. Fowler (Taranaki), J. Wells (Wellington). Probables used the wind to pile up a big lead in the first spell. Early in the game Mitchell hurtled through a tackle to score well out, Easton converting. Dick scored an unconverted try from a melee near the line, and then Mitchell made an opening for Morrison to score after a long run, in which he was closely chased by Chesterman. Easton converted. Probables 13. Possibles 0. Strang and Rankin added tries after forward rushes. Easton converted the second. Probables 21, Possibles 0. Dick scored after good work by Veitch, Strachan. and Mitchell, and then Morrison crossed on the blind side, Easton converting. Pollock failed to find touch with a hurried clearing kick after he had stopped Strachan very well, and Hadley scored wide out. The spell ended: Probables 32, Possibles 0. In spite of the head wind Probables continued to dominate play in the second spell. Mitchell made an opening for Dick to go over, and the latter scored again soon after, Easton adding to the former try. Probables 40, Possibles 0. . Possibles at last had a turn, McKenzie scoring beside the posts after good play by Bradley and Purdue. Pollock converted, and soon after goaled from a penalty from a sharp angle. Dick was soon over again, after a scrambling back rush. He was there once more after a more finished effort by Russell and Rankin. Easton converted the latter try, and the game ended: Probables 48, Possibles 8.

OPTIMISM ABOUT N.Z. TEAM’S PROSPECTS

MR R. T. MEREDITH PLEASED WITH FORM SHOWN

(PBISI ASSOCIATIOE TELEOBAM.) INVERCARGILL, July 12. If there is one man in New Zealand who is sanguine about the prospects of the All Blacks in their coming tests with the Springboks, it is Mr T. Meredith, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union. He was a spectator at the inter-island game at Wellington on Saturday, and returned to Invercargill to-day. "I am not a bit concerned about our prospects against the Springboks,” Mr Meredith said to-night. “The standard of play was an eye-opener, and we should be able to face the South Africans with every confidence. The team will be well trained and coached. Nothing will be left to chance.” , He added that he had never seen a better game of Rugby anywhere than in the inter-island match. The teams to play In trial matches at Wellington to-morrow are printed on Page 12. CANTERBURY-OTAGO GAME SUGGESTION OF EARLY START APPROVED (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, July 12, The suggestion that the CanterburyOtago match in Christchurch on August 14 be started at 12.30 p,m., so that patrons could go to the races afterwards or go home and listen to the test match was received from the Canterbury Union at this evening's meeting of the Otago Rugby Union. It was objected to by several members, Mr Cavanagh protesting that it was against all custom and scarcely fair to the players. After discussion, it was decided to accept the suggestion.

DRAW FOR SATURDAY

SENIOR GRADE MATCHES

The following Is the draw in the senior grade of the Canterbury Rugby Union’s competitions for next Saturday:— University v. Sunnyside, High School Old Boys v. Sydenham, Christchurch v. Athletic, Albion v. Technical Old Boys, Merivale v. Linwood.

MALVERN TEAM TO PLAY HURI|NUI

SOUTHBRIDGE SHIELD GAME The following team has been chosen to represent the Malvern Rugby Sub-Union against Hurunui for the Southbrldge Shield at Culverden on Saturday:— Full-back, A. Stone (Hororata); threequarters, A. Spivey (Clentunnel), H. Alderson (Sheffield). L. Mllllken (Springfield); five-eighths, M. Patrick (Springfield), J. Rich (Hororata); half-back, R. Workman (Clentunnel); forwards, T. Donaldson (Klrwee), T. Wilson (Klrwee), R. Innes (Springfield), R. McKercher (Klrwee), R. Roper (Klrwee), R. Dears (Glentunnel), J. Deans (Clentunnel), E. Milllken (Springfield). Emergencies—Forwards: R. Dorman (Springfield), G. Thorne (Hororata); backs: D. Haldane (Sheffield), R. Stewart (Kirwee). Anyone unable to make the trip is asked to notify the secretary.

RUGBY LEAGUE

CANTERBURY BEATS INANGAHUA LOW SCORING AT REEFTON FORWARDS DOMINATE PLAY [THE PRESS Special Service.! REEFTON. July 12. In showery- weather the Canterbury representative Rugby League team beat the Inangahua representatives by 9 points to 3 on Sunday afternoon. E. Holder, of Buller, who has been playing League In England for the Wigan Club, and who Is on holiday, played for Inangahua. D. Smith captained the visitors and P. Scott Inangahua. . . _ Three tries were scored by R. Whitley for Canterbury, none being converted, and McDougall scored the only try for Inangahua. Scott failed to convert. The home team was beaten by the Canterbury forwards and the superior handling of Its opponents. Canterbury dominated the scrums and with long passes troubled Inangahua. The Canterbury backs were less Impressive than the forwards. The Canterbury full-back, F. J. Stevens, was always safe and his speed gave him an added advantage. Inangahua played a very dogged game, but the visitors’ defence was also solid and consistent. The half-time score was 6-3 in the visitors’ favour.

In the second half of play Canterbury looked like scoring three or four times, but good tackling saved the home side points. Holder made more than one good opening for his side and saved several times. He is not ■fast off the mark, but when away he is difficult to stop. Mr C. Mi 1 wee was referee. In a curtain-raiser between Waiuta and Reefton juniors, the home team won, 23-0

VISIT OF G. NEPIA

tests about games in the Vivian Cup competition (in which Nepia will play for some of the weaker clubs), the rule requiring seven days’ residence in Christchurch for a player in the competition will be rescinded for this season. There were present at the meeting Messrs W. E. Desmond (president), BL B. Rogers, L. G. Amos, R. A, Drury (executive), and Messrs J. McSweeney, C. Burland, A. E. Clark, A. Manson. C. Worsfold, and E. Grimes (dub delegates). The bad condition of Sydenham Park was discussed, and a motion was carried that the executive be empowered to negotiate for the use of Monica Park. Meanwhile it was decided to gather a working-bee at Monica Park next Sunday to repair the ground. Delegates were asked to bring three or four club members each. The West Coast League wrote acknowledging receipt of the Addington Club’s challenge for the Thacker Shield. The letter said that the West Coast competition was not yet completed, but that the centre would be advised immediately a match could be The'Sydenham Club applied for permission to play a friendly game with Blackball on a date to be arranged. The permission was granted. The Hornby Club was given permission to travel to Greymouth to play Greymouth Marist later in the season. Mr C. G. Derrett was appointed auditor to the centre. Mr A. E. Clark announced the personnel of the newly-formed Schoolboys’ Board of Control as follows: Chairman. Mr A. E. Clark; secretary, Mr Yeatman; weighing committee. Mr W Young, Mr A. Innis. Mr A. E. Clark; club delegates; St. Joseph’s. Mr Young; Linwood, Mr B. Falgar; Addington. Mr Innis; Riccarton, Mr A. Eden; Woolston, Mr Yeatman; selectors for the schoolboys’ Cox Memorial Cup, Mr Young, Mr Falgar, and Mr Clark.

Draw for Saturday The following draw for Saturday’* games was approved:— Senior Grade— Addington v. Waimalrl, at Sydenham (Mr G. Falgar. umpires. Messrs B. Stapley and J. G. Underwood). Sydenham v. Linwood. at Linwood (Mr pf Kirton; umpires. Messrs E. Gearry and R. Keller): Hornby, a bye. Junior Grade— Addington v. Riccarton. at Riccarton (Mr A. Manson) : Linwood v. Sydenham, at Sydenham. 1-30 (Mr B. Stapley); Hornby, a byeThird Grade —Riccarton v. Waimalrl. at Papanui (Mr W. Thompson); Linwood v. Woolston. at Woolston (Mr R. Lisle). St. Joseph’s v. Sydenham, at St. Joseph’s (Mr B Vine). Fourth Grade —Riccarton v. Linwood. at Linwood, 1.30 (Mr H. Wright); Woolston v Addington, at Jerrold street (Mr A. Rice): Sydenham, a bye. _ . . Fifth Grade—Sydenham v. Hornby, at Spreydon (Mr R. Murray): Waimalrl, a b: Schoolbovs (heavy-weight)—Linwoodv. St. Joseph’s, at St. Joseph’s. 11 a.m. (Mr B. Vine) ; Addington v. Woolston, at woolston, 10.30 a.m. (Mr H. Worsfold). Lightweight—Linwood v. Addington, at Jerrold street, 10.30 a.m. (Mr D. Broad): Riccarton v. St. Joseph’s, at St. Joseph’s, 10 a.m. (Mr F. Waugh).

MEETING OF DELEGATES Arrangements for the projected visit of George Nepia to Christchurch were placed in the care of the executive at the monthly meeting of delegates of the Canterbury Rugby League last night. To forestall any possible pro-