N.Z. TEAM FOR FIRST TEST

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28001, 22 June 1956, Page 5

N.Z. TEAM FOR FIRST TEST

GAME AT OAMARU UNLIKELY “The Press” Special Service DUNEDIN. June 21. The convener of the New Zealand Rugby selection panel, Mr T. C. Morrison, has advised the North Otago Union’s resident delegate in Wellington, Mr T R Booker, that the prospects of a match between the All Blacks and North Otago before the first test at Dunedin are most unlikely. A message from Mr Booker to this effect, in reply to an inquiry by the union, was read by the president. Mr A R. Low, at the management committee meeting. “I will still negotiate.’’ added Mr Booker. It was very unfortunate as the union had been awaiting word on this matter for some time, said Mr Low Unless definite advice was received soon, there would not be much time to arrange such a game. It would be to the benefit ol the All Black team to play the proposed match, which would be better than merely having training runs. Mr T. C. McCone: It would develop their combination. It seemed that Mr Booker had not received a very satisfactory reply, commented Mr A. W Marshall. No further action was decided on.

SPRINGBOKS’ VISIT TO CHRISTCHURCH

NO CIVIC RECEPTION When the Springboks visit Christchurch there will be no official civic reception to the team, but at one of the functions to be arranged for the visitors the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.) will have the opportunity of welcoming them to the city. The decision not to hold an official reception was made because of the team’s wish that engagements be kept to a minimum.

REPLACEMENTS FOR SPRINGBOKS

CRITICISM BY FORMER PLAYERS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) JOHANNESBURG, June 20 Two former Springboks Lucas Strachan and Theo Pienaar—today criticised the selection of Theunis Briers and James Starke as replacements for the South Afircan Rugby team in New Zealand. The "Rand Daily Mail” quotes Lucas Strachan (flanker and eighth man in New Zealand in 1937) as saying: “Briers and Starke will not solve the problem. It is not a wing that is needed among the backs, and a tougher and heavier forward than Starkie should have been selected.’ Theo Pienaar (captain of the 1921 Springboks in New Zealand) said: “The two players are not enough. There should have been another hooker and an inside back

“What is going to happen if van der Merwe is hurt shortly before the tests? Then the Springboks will be in real trouble, for hooking is a specialised job m modern Rugby.’’

OTAGO TEAM TO PLAY SOUTH CANTERBURY

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN. June 20. The Otago team to meet South Canterbury at Carisbrook next Wednesday is:— W. C. Wilson: T. H. Pickard. J. R. Watt. E. S Diack; J. Levein, J. Hotop; L. J Townsend; W. D. Gillespie; K McCredie, G. Dennison, F. S. McAtamney, W. A Lunn; M. W. Irwin, I. M. Stevens, L. T. Kovaleski.

Emergencies: Backs, A. R. Haig, W. S. Reeve, P. Mcllroy: forwards. J. F. Anderson, J. Keegan, S. Morton.