KEEN ABOUT WARM- UP

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30588, 3 November 1964, Page 15

KEEN ABOUT WARM- UP

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Nov. 2. Some Australian Rugby Union officials are “definitely keen” to have the Wallabies play in Auckland next May before meeting the Springboks, said the chairman of the Auckland Rugby Union, Mr R. L. Burk, today. “The next move is now up to Auckland,” said Mr Burk, who returned last night from a 10-day trip to Australia in which he had informal discussions with Australian officials. “If the Auckland union approves the match at its next meeting, on November 18, the matter will then go forward to the New Zealand Union which will, in turn, invite Australia.” Mr Burk said that Mr Alan Roper, coach of the Wallabies in New Zealand this

season, was “particularly enthusiastic” over the possibility of such a match as it would help him to build up team spirit for the test series against the Springboks. The venture was also supported by the Australian selector and chairman of the ways and means committee for the South African visit, Mr W. McLoughlin, and the

Australian Union member, Mr C. Blunt. Mr Burk said the date suggested for the match was May 27, three weeks before the first test between Australia and South Africa in Sydney. This could be a good warmer-up for Auckland’s game with Waikato on Queen’s Birthday, he said.