Close Game Expected In Second League Test

Press, Volume C, Issue 29560, 8 July 1961, Page 5

Close Game Expected In Second League Test

’THE result of the second A Rwgfby League test at Auckland today, will depend largely on the ground conditions at Carlaw Park. If the surface is reasonably firm, the faster Australian backs could carry the day; on a sof’er ground, as in the first test last Saturday, the New Zealand forwards could pave the way for another New Zealand success. Even if the conditions are again wet, the Australian backs will still be able to set problems for New Zealand. Among several exclusive attackers. Australia ; possesses in K. J. Irvine a : wing three-quarters of tre- ■ mendous speed, who, as either a ball-carrier or ball- , chaser, is capable of scoring 5: tries from the slightest of ’ openings and now appears to p have taken over R. W. Gasnier’s mantle as the team's o diraw-card. 2 t New Zealand’s most likely e counter to the speed of Ir- t vine and that of the other c Australian backs will be the p defensive qualities of its c

backs and the ability of its forwards to gain and keep possession. Under the fine leadership of R. C. Ackland, the New Zealand forwards will also be New Zealand’s most powerful striking force, while the Australian backs, conditions to their liking or not. can almost be certain of playing behind a beaten and out-hooked pack.

In the first test the Australian forwards tired badly in the second half and today will be without the services of their loose forward. J. Sinclair, who is the fastest forward in the team and last Saturday was one of the best Australians. New Zealand's new hooker, J. Patterson, is once more expected to win a better share of the ball from the scrums than his experienced opposite. I. J. Walsh. If the result is to be decided on goal-kicking alone, as it could easily be. it will be to Australia's advantage, for it will be fielding two reliable goal-kickers. B. P. Carlson and D. Parish; the latter's kicking last Saturday was far superior to that of R. S. Cooke of New Zealand. After missing with several easy attempts, it is difficult to understand why Cooke was not replaced by G. R. Phillips sooner than he was. The test match will be preceded by a trial game which will help the New Zealand selectors to choose the 26man team to tour England and France later this year. It is obvious that many players new to international football will be included, one of whom could easily be the Canterbury wing threequarter, A. Amer. The only Canterbury player assured of selection is M. L. Cooke, the present New Zealand loose forward.