KIWI MISSING VITAL GAMES

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31029, 7 April 1966, Page 19

KIWI MISSING VITAL GAMES

The New Zealand Rugby League scrum-half, R. S. J. Irvine, will not play for Canterbury against West Coast at Greymouth on April 17, nor in the Southern XIII to meet the Northern XIII at Auckland on April 30.

Irvine tore a cartilage in his knee in the opening club match of the season against Linwood last Saturday. His knee had first given him trouble during his club’s opening day on March 13 and was aggravated by a knock that he suffered on Saturday. He said last evening that a specialist had advised him not to play for three weeks. During this time he will be able to do light jogging to keep fit. If the injury does not heal satisfactorily in this time he

will undergo further treatment. On the tour of Britain and France last year Irvine ousted the touring captain, W. L. Snowden (Auckland), from his test position and played in four tests. His tremendous defensive qualities and sparkling attacking bursts made him one of the successes of the tour and it will be unfortunate if his enforced lay-off is ex-

tended for longer than three weeks. The Papanui scrum-half and stand-off half, G. H. Clarke, has been added to the squad for the final trial on Saturday, said the Canterbury coach (Mr E. Butts) last evening. Another doubtful starter for the trial is the Hornby forward, D. A. Condick. He received a braise on the small of his back against Papanui on Saturday but trained last evening. During training last evening the Kiwi wing, P. M. V White (Addington), was positioned at inside centre. This is an indication that the Canterbury selectors may move White into his club I position to give more penetration to the representative ' back-line.