Barbarians As Substitute

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31540, 30 November 1967, Page 17

Barbarians As Substitute

(From

GRAEME JENKINS,

N.Z.P.A. special correspondent) EDINBURGH.

The All Blacks will meet the Barbarians at Twickenham on December 16 as the final match of their tour.

The fixture has been arranged by the Home unions’ tour committee in place of the cancelled Irish test, which was to have been played in Dublin on that day.

No alternative match has been arranged in place of the game at Belfast against the Combined Irish Provinces. Announcing the decision, the All Blacks manager, Mr C. K. Saxton, said that while he and the team were greatly disappointed over the cancellation of the two games in Ireland, they regarded the match at Twickenham as a wonderful substitute. The last two All Black teams in Britain wound up their tours with games against the Barbarians club, both being played at Cardiff. It is understood that this will be first game between a Barbarians team and an overseas touring side to be played at Twickenham. At this stage there has been no discussion on the likely composition of the Barbarians team but it is almost certain to comprise the leading players from England, Scotland and Wales.

The possibility had been raised that the Barbarians club might invite the Irish team to play in its colours, but it is understood now that this is unlikely as a total ban on movement between Ireland and the rest of the British Isles will probably be imposed to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

Sponsored Bowls.—The Auckland Bowling Centre is to seek approval ot commercial sponsorship for future bowling fixtures, and has sent a remit to the Dominion Bowling Council.