Canterbury-Otago Game Bearing On All Blacks

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30235, 13 September 1963, Page 6

Canterbury-Otago Game Bearing On All Blacks

[By Our Rugby Correspondent} Canterbury Rugby’s probationary period, which began after the Auckland match, should end tomorrow when Otago plays at Lancaster Park.

In its last three matches —against only average opposition—there have been indications that full restitution may be made for some of the Rugby sins committed last year and earlier this season.

The game also will be the final bright spot on what has been an otherwise dull representative season, lightened so far only by the visits of Wellington and Auckland.

It will attract interest far outside Lancaster Park because of the number of All Black trialists taking part in the match.

After missing the last three matches because of illness, D. Young returns to the Canterbury team. W. F. McCormick, D. Arnold, P. H. Clarke and J. Francis, who have all been suffering from injuries, are now fit, although Arnold could still be doubtful and wil! not play if his leg injury gives any trouble. The teams are:— Canterbury: W. F. McCormick- P. H. Clarke, D. A. Arnold. W. M. Birtwistle; R. C. Moreton. B. A. Watt; M. F. Whitta; R. Wainohu; D. J. Graham. A. J. Stewart. J. Francis, N G. Cornelius; J. M. Le Lievre, D. Young, C. R. Hockley. Otago: E. S. Diack; P. J. Morrissey. I. S. T. Smith. D. H Montgomery; W. A. Davies, E W. Kirton; C. R. Laidlaw; K A. Nelson: D W. Clark, H. Morrison. M. C. Meikle. L. A. Scherp; K. Smith, B F Duncan, B. Booth. Now Top Province In the last two seasons Otago has gained a deserved reputation for always attempting to play attacking Rugby, and on results it has usurped Canterbury as the premier Rugby province in the South Island. Otago has had a very successful season, beating England, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu. Canterbury has had only one win of note —against Wellington—but recently there has been some good Rugby from the team on heavy grounds. But it would not come as a surprise if Canterbury gained a worthwhile win. The for-

wards have tightened up their play and, what is most important, are more mobile. The backs are now running with much more zest and determination than they did early in the season. Forwards Faster However, Otago will be a tough proposition. Its forwards, perhaps not as strong in the tight as Canterbury’s, will be faster and that was the factor that lost the match against Auckland. The Otago backs are, possibly, with the exception of Auckland, the best combination in the country; they have speed and experience and above all a very fine half-back in Laidlaw.

But what could be the decisive factor in the match will be the strong determination of the Canterbury team to finish the season on a good note. It was suggested before the game with Buller that Canterbury’s process of re-

habiiitation was starting—it may be completed tomorrow. But if the result is important for Canterbury Rugby, to most of the public the greater interest will lie in the performances of the players who next week will take part ifi the All Black trials. Embryo Trial

In fact, the game is an embryo All Black trial. Canterbury and Otago have more than a quarter of the 72 players chosen and in the first trial next Wednesday 13 players from the two unions will be taking part. The back-lines tomorrow are almost identical with those of the first trial—five from Canterbury playing against five from Otago. The convener of the All Black selection committee (Mr N. J. McPhail) no doubt will be interested to see how Kirton compares with Wattnow a match centurion; how the youthful Moreton copes with the deposed, but still effective, Davies; if Birtwistle can match Morrissey and Montgomery for speed. Reputations made, or lost tomorrow could have a major influence on AU Black selection.