Southland's Strength In The Forwards

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30553, 23 September 1964, Page 19

Southland's Strength In The Forwards

[By Out Rugby Correspondent]

Away from Invercargill and the peculiar ground conditions at Rugby Park, Southland is not regarded as very formidable opposition. But the Southland team which plays Canterbury today may be the exception that proves the rule.

After a dismal start to its representative season when the first four matches were lost, Southland has beaten Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and MidCanterbury.

This is an impressive trio of victories, for all of those provinces have had successful seasons.

Like most Southland teams the strength of the side will be in its vigorous forwards. G. C. Spencer, the All Black, A. J. Soper, and E. J. Hazlett are experienced players, and the rest of the pack has the fire and ruggedness that is expected from a Southland team. Young Players However, the Southland backs do not seem to match the abilities of the forwards. The retirement of several experienced players has meant that Southland has had to introduce a large number of young players to representative Rugby this season. Lately these young players have been producing good form but it seems unlikely that they will be able to match the Canterbury backs for speed and attacking ability. After their displays against Mid-Canterbury, Thames Vai-

ley and Otago, it can be expected that the Canterbury forwards will match even a Southland pack playing at its best.

The added speed to the loose ball; the greater cohesion instilled by the leadership by the example of D. J. Graham has transformed the Canterbury pack into a powerful, and what is more important, a mobile unit. However, it is the Canterbury backs who should ensure that Canterbury retains its unbeaten record at Lancaster Park in matches against Southland since 1947. The improving liaison between L. J. Davis and B. A. Watt, the smooth combination between Watt and R. C. Moreton and the speed of the Canterbury three-quarters should mean that Canterbury finishes its home Rugby programme on a high note. Creighton Injured Canterbury will field the team which beat Otago on Saturday, save for the replacement of J. N. Creighton, the hooker, by D. Pirie. Creighton suffered injuries to his ribs early in the Otago match, but hopes to be available for selection for next Saturday's match with Wellington. Teams:—

SOUTHLAND.— G. A. Townsend; K. B. Broad. R. W. Welsh, J. G. Allison; R. D. Thompson, L. D. Hollands; C. O. Hay; A. J. Soper; R. J. Laughton, E. J. Hazlett (captain), B.

G. King, H. A. Miller; J. C. Lindsay, G. G. Spencer, I. 0, Gutsell.

Emergencies.—Backs: L. D. Williams, J, C. Williamson. Forwards; N- C. Gutsell, J. C. Cochran.

CANTERBURY.—D. C. Leary; W. J. Thompson, W. F. McCormick, W. Birtwistle; R. C. Moreton, B. A. Watt; L. Davis; R. M. Walnohu; D. J. Graham (captain), A. J. Hopkinson, J. F. Francis, N. G. Cornelius; C. P. Hockley, D. Pirie, J. M. Le Lievre.

Emergencies.—Backs; R. Morris, P. A. Hutchinson, W. Cottrell, D. A. Arnold. Forwards; E. Veal. A. Wylie, I. Penrose, J. F. Burns.-