RUGBY LEAGUE EASY WIN FOR N.Z. TEAM

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27499, 5 November 1954, Page 18

RUGBY LEAGUE EASY WIN FOR N.Z. TEAM

MARSEILLES AMATEURS BEATEN, 77-0 (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) MARSEILLES, November 2. The New Zealand Rugby League World Cup team outclassed the Marseilles amateurs, 77-0, today in a full-out training test for the game against Australia on Sunday, but the manager and coach (Mr J. E. Amos) is still not satisfied. The backs showed improved form, but the forwards lacked imagination, and many good chances were missed by lack of quick following-up and faulty handling. “The work-out was just what we needed, but there is still plenty of room for improvement,” Mr Amos said. When the captain. Eastlake, left the field in the first half with a blister on the left foot, McKay took over the goalkicking, and failed with only two kicks. The full-back, Anderson, who is still having ray heat treatment for a thigh injury, and Alister Atkinson, who is recovering from a stomach disorder, did not play today. Marseilles is showing a keener interest in the Sunday game than Paris or Lyons did for the opening matches. The city is plastered with posters and streamers announcing the game. The New Zealanders, who have been a little despondent because of the lack of news from home, were much happier today after the arrival of two batches of mail—the first they have had since leaving New Zealand nearly three weeks ago. The New Zealand team to play Australia on Sunday is: Denton, Edwards, McKay, Menzies, Eastlake, Sorenson, Ericsen, Atkinson, Butterfield, Yates, McLennan, Blanchard, Johnson. The selectors made a surprise choice in Denton to replace Anderson at full-back. Denton, aged 20, is the youngest player in the side, and he will be shouldering I a big responsibility in his first international. The only other change is in the second row, where Butterfield replaces Bond, who has failed to strike his best form.