RUGBY Great Interest In Test Against French Team

Press, Volume C, Issue 29535, 9 June 1961, Page 20

RUGBY Great Interest In Test Against French Team

(New Zealana Press Association)

AUCKLAND, June 8. Half as much interest again as was taken in the fourth test between the British Lions and the All Blacks in 1959 is being shown in the test between New Zealand and France . in Auckland on July 22. This is the interpretation placed by officials of the Auckland Rugby Union on the number of preferential bookings so far, and the inquiries for seats, being received. “We will just have to face the fact that the ground will not be big enough to accommodate all who will want to get in.” said the union’s secretary. Mr L. F. Warren, today. A further aspect of the big business that Rugby tours have become in New Zealand is the distribution of the New Zealand Rugby Union’s auxiliary seats, which are stored at Eden Park. Some 3500 of these must be shipped to Nelson in time for the opening match of the tour on July 8. Almost 4000 will be taken to Whangarei for the North Auckland match four days before the Eden Park test, and then returned to Auckland in time for erection for the test. Subse-

quently, the seats will go to Rotorua, Wellington. Christchurch (for the final test on August 19) and perhaps to other places. “If we could accommodate them I should think that at least 90.000 would like to see the test at Eden Park. From present indications, at least that number are going to want to go to the match.“ Mr Warren said.