REPORT FROM SYDNEY

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28896, 16 May 1959, Page 6

REPORT FROM SYDNEY

N.Z. Union Little Concerned (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 15. New Zealand Rugby officials neither attach much importance nor are particularly concerned about a report from Sydney today that ‘‘union officials consider it is now unlikely that the All Blacks will be asked to play in Australia on their way to South Africa next year.” Mr C. S. Hogg, chairman of the New Zealand Union, said his union had decided it would be an advantage for the All Blacks to play some games together before going to South Africa next year. Whether the matches would be played here or in Australia had not been decided, but responsible Australian officials had on several occasions shown a keen desire for the All Blacks to play 1- Australia. Mr Hogg said that Mr J. Blackwood had discussed the matter with him when he attended the 1958 International board meeting, and Mr C. Blunt, manager of last year s Wallabies, had also expressed Australia’s desire to see the All Blacks. The Australian union had advised by letter that it would welcome matches with the All Blacks. South Africa, said Mr Hogg, had agreed to the All Blacks playing matches en rqute and it had been intended that about five of these should be arranged. It had not. however, yet been decided where the fixtures would take place—it was anticipated that that would be done at next month’s council meeting.

ALTERATIONS TO DRAW

Junior B.—Belfast v. Albion will now be played at South Park 23. not Beckenham Park as advertised at 3 p.m. Third Grade.—H.S.O.B. v. ’Varsity C, North Park 8. H. 5.0.8. win by default; Marist v. R.N.Z.A.F., will now be played at Wigram 2 at 3 p.m., not Barrington Park. Under Bst 71b.—Merivale v. Shirley 8.H.5.. South Park 20, 1.30 p.m.; Pap. H. 5.0.8. v. Chch., will now be played at Sunnyside at 1.15 p.m., not Fendalton Park as advertised. Under 6st 71b A.—Hornby A v. Marist B. Bumside 1, 1.30 a.m., is not a friendly game as advertised. Under 20.—Xavier College v. Sydenham will now be played at North Park 11, not Sydenham Park as advertised at 3 p.m. Under 16 B.—H.S.OJB. v. Marist B will now be played at Athletic Park 1 at 1.30 p.m., not St. Albans Park as advertised. Under «st 71b B.—Marist B v. S/Spreydon, Spreydon Domain, 10.30 a.m.

Under 17 Grade.—H.S.O.B. A v. Sydenham (friendly). South Park 22, 1.30 p.m. —Advt.