SHIELD GAME TODAY

Press, Volume C, Issue 29620, 16 September 1961, Page 5

SHIELD GAME TODAY

Record Crowd Expected VI (N Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. Sept. 15. What promises to be the greatest crowd in the history of provincial Rugby in New Zealand is likely to attend the Ranfurly Shield match at Eden Park tomorrow between Auckland, the defenders, and Waikato. The first estimates of a crowd of 40.000 are now being revised in the light of the interest created in the Waikato and it _js considered possible that at least 15,000 persons will journey to the match from that district. ■ R. H. Graham, the Auckland captain, has passed a fitness test for the back injury which put him on the sideline against Wellington last week. Unfortunately. E. F. Peacock, the Waikato hooker, has had to withdraw because of a hand injury suffered against North Auckland last week.

Waikato journeyed to Auckland today and held a final training run at Eden Park. The team shaped extremely well and D. B. Clarke kicked some long-range goals. Eden Park promises to be in first-class condition for the match. The teams are:— Auckland.— M. C. Cormack; D. W. McKay, P. F. Little, R. King: P T Walsh. A. H. Clarke; D M. Connor; L. W Fell; R. H. Graham,. B. Thomas. K. E. Barry, W. J. Nathan; W. J. Whineray, F. J Colthurst, H. L. White. Waikato.— D. B. Clarke; L. W. Riley, M. H. Raureti. N R. Blackburn; D. R. Wood, R W. Kemp; I. 11. Cathro; E. A. R. Pickering; F. S O’Kane. B. E. Clarke. A Hayes: R. J. Conway: 1 J Clarke (captain), J. G. Wright, J. Porima.

Ashburton Game.—Canterbury under 16 v. Mid-Canterbury, at Ashburton at 1.15 p.m. Bus leaves Midland depot. 11 am —Advt. CHANGES TO DRAW Canterbury 3rd Grade v. Hurunui. Lancaster Park, is postponed. Additional Friendly Games.— Sydenham 5-7 A v. Marist 6st B. Sth Pk 19. 10 a m.; Christchurch v. Zingari under 16. North Pk 9, 1.15 p.m.; Sydenham v. Addington Workshops Apprentices. South Pk 23. 10.30 a.m. —Advt.