Soccer Test Today

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28346, 3 August 1957, Page 5

Soccer Test Today

The second test between - the Austrian and New Zealand Soccer teams will be played at Wellington today. Austria had an easy win by 7 goals to 1 at Auckland, and speculation is not as to whether N?w Zealand can win the second, nut whether it can offer a stronger resistance, and a sharper attack. '*■ Except for the replacement of R. Durant, who is Injured, by P. Macfarlane. the goalkeeper, fullbacks, and halves have been unchanged for the tour tests with the Chinese and Austrian teams. The selectors are evidently satisfied that they can do no better in these departments. After the first Chinese test, C. Steele and P. Saunderson were dropped for R. Whittaker and P. Naidu, and these were the wings for the first Austrian test also. They in turn have how been replaced by G. Eccles, of Auckland, and T. McCabe, of Wellington. Eccles is a young, promising player, and was picked for the New Zealand tour of Asia last season, but his selection was probably directed towards giving him more big football experience. This season he has played good football, and was one of the few forwards to cause the Canterbury defence any concern In the FA. Trophy match against Auckland. McCabe has gained his chance as a result of his showing for Wellington against the Austrian team. R. Higgins, E. Griffin, and T. McNiehol will be the Inside forwards again. The half-line, D. Charlton, A. Laffey, and P. Macfarlane, win be playing Its third game against the Austrians, as this combination played tor the South Island as wen as for New Zealand. P. Flynn will be having his third game also, and he will be partnered by J. Alrd. E. J. Stephenson. the Otago goalkeeper, is again New Zealand's last defence, and this will be the twenty-fourth time he has represented New Zealand.