ALL BLACKS FOR WALES MATCH

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27226, 18 December 1953, Page 15

ALL BLACKS FOR WALES MATCH

RUGBY FOOTBALL

BRITISH PRESS “NOT SURPRISED” HOPE THAT STUART WILL PLAY (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (IKT LONDON, December 16. surprises” seems to sum up the ?L ltl A it Rygby critics’ comment on Blacks team selected for the match against Wales on Saturday. There is general hope that Stuart will be a ole to play. The "Daily Telegraph” says there is no doubt that the long absence of a u ai X, > s been a big handicap to the , Blacks, who have missed his leadership. “The All Blacks have tightened up their mid-field defence by choosing lanner at outside centre/’ the paper says. "Those who have seen the team in most of their matches are of the opinion that the inclusion of R. G. Bowers at first five-eighths would have strengthened the attack, but Haig gains preference, doubtless because his leadership would be invaluable in the eV -mu of Stuart standing down.” The Times” says: 4i Not everyone may agree that Tanner is a better attacking centre than Fitzgerald, and above all else, it is in attack that the fourth All Blacks have so far proved disappointing. “Slow but steady, Haig retains his place at first five-eighths in the face of a good deal of British criticism. His partner will be Fitzpatrick, whose re ™ orm justifies his inclusion.” The “Daily Herald” says that the mam surprise of the team is the alternative selection at scrum half. Choice of Half-Back , The experienced Bevan looks booked for the side if mud and heavy going threaten. Davis will get a chance to use his greater speed round iir e sc , rum fine weather favours Wales's expected concentration on back play. • ‘ Fitzgerald looked like developing into No. 1 choice at centre-three-quarters. A pulled muscle has kept him out of the last three matches, however, and has now cancelled him out for the international. The tourists' fiveman selection board decided to ignore experiments and give the job to a recognised player in the position.” Interest in the All Blacks’ match against Combined Services on Boxing Day is increasing, after a win by Combined Services over an Irish fifteen as well as Cardiff. Combined Services have announced their team, which includes seven internationals and several who are in the English trials.

The internationals are I. H. M. Thomson (Scotland, full-back), J. s. Swan (Scotland), V. R. Tindall and R. C. Bazley (England), among the three-quarters; A. W. Black (Scotland, scrum half); and R. V. Stirling (England) and A. R. Valentine (Scotland), among the forwards. side snows three changes from that which beat an Irish fifteen m Dublin, and is: I, H. M. Thomson (Army), J. S. Swan (Amy), T. R. <RA.F.), V. R. Tindall (R.A.F.), R. C. Bazley (Army), G. H. Sullivan (Army), A. W. Black (R.A.F.), R. V. Stirling, captain (R.A.F.), UHughes (R.A.F.), B. S. Lilley (R.A.F.), P. G. Yarranton (R.A.F.), R. H. Williams (R.A.F.), R. Higgins (Army* A. R. Valentine (Royal Navy). P. S. Collingridge (R.A.F.).