THE FIRST TEST

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26123, 27 May 1950, Page 8

THE FIRST TEST

RUGBY FOOTBALL

TODAY’S GAME A(T CARISBROOK

WIN FOR NEW ZEALAND LIKELY From Our Own Reporter DUNEDIN. May 26. The British Isles team, seriously depleted by injuries to some of its be< men. will play the first of four test matches against New Zealand at Carisbrook to-morrow. The ground should be in splendid order for the test, although the forecast is for scattered showers. Today was fine and warm, but overca.'t. After three reasonably light games against a Nelson combined team. Buller and West Coast, the British Isles was beaten in a dour, keenly fought game by Otago, and after holding Southland in check for the greater part of the game last Tuesday, it was again beaten comfortably. Otago has a really good team, both back and forward, and members know one another's play. In some quarters it is suggested that New Zealand will be at a disadvantage to-day because the team will be playing together for the first time. It should be remembered. however, that most of the forwards plaved in South Africa and most of the backs have had experience against International teams. Unless British improves a good deal on recent performances, New Zealand should have a comfortable win. The teams will line out as follows.New Zealand Full-back: R. W. H. Scott (Auckland). 12st 81b. Three-quarters: W. A. Meates (Otago) 12st 101 b, R. A. Roper (Taranaki) list 81b, N. P. Cherrington (North Auckland) 13st 131 b. Five-eighths: R. R- Elvidge (Otago) 12st 21b (captain), G. E. Beatty (Taranaki) list 81b. Half-back: V. D. Bevan (Wellington) list. Forwards—Back row: P. A. Johnston (Otago) 13st 11 lb. Middle row: J. R. McNab (Otago) list 21b, L. R. Harvey (Otago) 14st 121 b. R. A. White (Poverty Bay) 15st 61b, P. J. B. Crowley (Auckland) 14st 21b. Front, row; J. G. Simpson (Auckland) 14st 11 lb, A. M. Hughes (Auckland) 13st 41b, K. L. Skinner (Otago) 14st 81b. British Isles Full-back: W. B. Cleaver (Wales) Ifct 41b. Three-quarters: K. J. Jones (Wales) 12»t 61b, J. Matthews (Wales) 13st 81b. I. Preece (England) 12st 101 b. R. Macdonald (Scotland) list 121 b. Half-backs: J. W. Kyle (Ireland) 12st 71b. A. W. Black (Scotland) lOst 101 b. Forwards—Back row: P. W. Kminmonth (Wales) 13st 71b. Middle row: J. W. McKay (Ireland' 13d 81b, D. J. Hayward (Wales) 15st 41b. E R John (Wales) 13st 71b, R. T. Evans (Wales) 13st 71b. Front row: J. T. Clifford (Ireland) I#’. 71b, K. D. Mullen (Ireland) 13st (captain), J. D. Robins (Wales) 14st 101 b.