Good League Programme

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30399, 25 March 1964, Page 15

Good League Programme

VROM both a national and A an International viewpoint the 1964 Rugby League season promises to be an entertaining one. The tour of New Zealand by France, and the heartening news that Christchurch has been allocated a test match, and a Northern Union Cup match will give spectators one of the best programmes for several years. The tour by France will be the highlight of the season. France will play three tests in New Zealand: at Auckland on July 25 and August 15, and at Christchurch on August 1. It is also possible that New Zealand will play a friendly

match against France in New Caledonia after the 10-match torn:. The test in Christchurch will be the first here since 1953 when Australia was defeated, 25-5, and the first in the South Island since the second Great Britain test in 1954 at Greymouth. The highlight of the local season will be the encounter between Auckland and Canterbury for the Northern Union Cup. Auckland is playing West Coast on May 31 and it is hoped that a match with Canterbury can be arranged for May 30. Canterbury relieved Auckland of the cup in 1962 in an exciting game at the

Addington Showgrounds. The margin of 16-13 showed the determination of the local team against the reputation and appeal of the Kiwistudded Auckland team. Last year's match was no less thrilling for C. C. Preece scored a try for Canterbury in injury time to draw the game, 10-10, and retain the cup. Canterbury will also play the annual home and away fixtures with the West Coast and will play Wellington in Wellington and Otago in Christchurch. This programme constitutes one of the biggest representative seasons in the League’s history.