RUGBY N.Z. Backs For Test May Be Controversial

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29237, 22 June 1960, Page 5

RUGBY N.Z. Backs For Test May Be Controversial

[From N.Z.F.A. Staff Correspondent]

PRETORIA, June 20.

There is likely to be some controversy surrounding selection of the New Zealand team for the first test to be played at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, next Saturday, if team training today can be taken as a lead. The team is not now expected to be announced until Wednesday at the earliest.

The forwards more or less pick themselves, but there could be great difficulty in the selection of the backs, especially the inside combination. The backs have never moved better than when K. C. Briscoe, A. H. Clarke and T. R. Lineen have been combined from scrum to second five-eighths. On today’s training, however, it seems that Lineen could be moved out one place with the vice-captain, S. G. Bremner, coming in at second five-eighths. Bremner has not yet shown form which would suggest that he would automatically be a member of the test team. There is still some doubt Whether M. W. Irwin will be available after a week ; end road accident, although he trained with the rest of the team in a solid Workout today. It is doubted whether he will be able to pack with the vigour he has shown

throughout the tour with four stitches in the top of his head. There is a possibility he could play with a scrum cap on with a suitable protective covering, but I. J. Clarke will probably be brought in.

The scrum is expected to be the same as that which humbled Boland, apart from Irwin and R. C. Hemi, who was injured so seriously in that game that a replacement had to be flown from New Zealand.

The team captain. W. J. Whineray. who was advised not to play in the most recent match because of an injured thumb, almost certainly will be fit for the test. The front row would then comprise Whineray. D. Young and either Irwin or Clarke. The middle row almost certainly will be K. R. Tremain and mighty P. F. H. Jones on the flanks, with C. E. Meads and I. N. Mac Ewan ,who have yet to be surpassed as a locking pair, in the centre. It is equally certain that R. J. Conway will be at number eight. The back line is not so clearcut. and its composition will probably be decided on the type of game which it is decided to try and play. If the main object is attack then the line will probably be Briscoe at half-back. A. H. Clarke and Lineen in the fiveeighths, and either K. F. Laidlaw, who made a grand impression in last Saturday's match, or T. P. O’Sullivan at centre. If defence is to be the main consideration, then the selectors could put Bremner at second fiveeighths and Lineen at centre. The wings almost certainly will be J. R. Watt and R. W. Caulton. and D. B. Clarke certainly will be full-back.