Woolhouse Returns For Shield Challenge

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32385, 26 August 1970, Page 10

Woolhouse Returns For Shield Challenge

(By

J. K. BROOKS)

The return of the left-wing, R. J. Woolhouse, and the bracketing of K. J. Tanner ancbL. D. Adam for tight-head, prop, are the most notable features of the Canterbury Rugby team to defend the Ranfurly Shield against Waikato at Lancaster Park on Saturday

Woolhouse has been out of action with a badly bruised thigh since the game against Manawatu two weeks ago, and it was only yesterday that he was able to run with his usual freedom. Tanner, the most experienced of the front row forwards, has a slight ankle injury. He should be fit by Saturday, but if the injury

fails to respond to treatment, Adam, a resolute, hard-rucking forward, would be a worthy substitute. Apart from these positions, the only other change to the side is the choice of the 21-year-old university student, W. J. Lewis, as full-back. It will be his first game for'Canterbury. He was brought into the squad on Sunday after the regular full-back, S. M. C. Murray, was admitted to hospital in Auckland..

Lewis’s selection means that the captain, I. H. Penrose, will resume his rightful

place in the scrum. S. E. Cron goes from No. 8 to flanker, and C. J. Read has been placed in the reserves. The team is:—

Lewis; Woolhouse, L. W. Jones, R. F. Cocks; K. J. Gimblett, O. D. Bruce: L. J. i Davis (vice-captain); Penrose (captain): Cron, H. H. McDonald, R J. Lockwood, A. C. i Matheson; A. McLellan, R. W. ■ Norton, Tanner or Adam. Reserves:—Backs: B. F. Elder, R. J. Knight, L. G. Legge, 1 M. S. Moore, M. R. McEwan. ■ Forwards: I. Grant, Read, E. • R. Leask. The team, which was ap-

proved by the - management committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union last evening, follows the pattern of selection adopted by Dr J. D. Stewart and Mr M. J. Dixon, the joint selector-coaches, during the recent North Island tour. The four games served to bring to light the best fifteen, and, apart from the unfortunate absence of Murray, this is the team which will defend the shield on Saturday. The most notable advances made on tour were achieved by Matheson and Jones, and they have won places which were occupied by Read and Knight earlier in the season. The selectors have named a large number of reserves, The New Brighton players, Legge and Leask, and Grant (Suburbs), none of whom were in the touring party, have been included, and one of the tourists, T. L. C. Johnstone, has been omitted.