League PROSPECTS FOR TEST

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29264, 23 July 1960, Page 15

League PROSPECTS FOR TEST

Visitors’ Form A Decisive Factor

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. July 22. There is no odds-on favourite for the first Rugby League test between France and New Zealand at Carlaw Park in Auckland tomorrow. In the three international games played between the two countries in New Zealand to date, the home side lead, 2-1. They won a dramatic victory in the only fixture played in 1951, and halved the 1955 series. . The result of tomorrow’s game will depend largely upon the form of the French- team. After drawing the first test in Australia 8-all, the tourists lost the second in Brisbane by the wide margin of 56-6. France played without the services of three players on that occasion. Written off by the critics, the French players, although still seriously affected by injury, won the third test 7-5, and squared the rubber.

Since then the morale of the touring side has risen considerably. In its showing against Waikato at Huntly on Wednesday, the team gave an amazing display of handling under unfavourable conditions, and given a moderately dry ball tomorrow, they could cause the Kiwis a great deal of worry. If it is to win, the New Zealand team must gain control in the forwards. In the backs, the Kiwis look competent and solid. Unless an exceptionally wet day precludes any chance of open play, France will certainly pin its faith on moving the ball about in its traditional bewildering style. Mr T. Hardwick, the New Zealand coach, said today that the players were determined but not overconfident.

The teams are:— New Zealand.—C. Eastlake: T. HadG. Turner, N. Denton; R Griffiths, G. Menzies (vice-captain): K. Roberts: M. Cooke; R. Ackland. T. Kilkelly; C. Johnson (captain), J. Butterfield, H. Maxwell. Reserves: R. Cooke (backs). T. Reid (forwards). France.—L. Polettl; P. Dubon, B Fabre, C. Mantoulan; A. Perdu cat. A. Jiminez (captain): J. Guiraud; J. Barthe (vice-captain): A. Quag!io, R. Eramouspe; M. Bescos, A. vadon. A. Boldlni Reserves: A. Marty, F. Rossi.

Both reserves were selected to tour as forwards, but Marty played on the wing in the last Australian test.

The referee will be Mr V. Belsham (Auckland).