LACK OF BACKS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31239, 10 December 1966, Page 17

LACK OF BACKS

Trials For Under 23s (From Our Rugby Reporter) WELLINGTON. A new form of AU Black trials in which an emphasis will be placed on youth is expected to be used next year. Somewhat alarmed at the lack of back talent in New Zealand, the chairman of the All Black selection committee, Mr F. R. Allen, has asked the New Zealand Union to have a series of trials for players under 23. It was felt that young promising players become overawed when they have to play in All Black trials and meet seasoned internationals. Trials with players of their own ages, it was considered, will allow the players more chance to show their true abilities. The major All Black trials will be held in September and will consist of four North Island teams playing at Palmerston North and two South Island teams at Christchurch. Afterwards four teams wiU play at Wellington. The playing of two matches in Canada in 1967 before the All Blacks travel to Britain was approved. They will be at Vancouver on October 14 and Montreal on October 18. The Canadian union also asked if it was possible for New Zealand to accept a tour from a Canadian team during the next few years. It was decided to tell the Canadian union that New Zealand was committed until 1971.