RUGBY FOOTBALL

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 15, 12 October 1927, Page 14

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE 1928 ALL BLACKS. A correspondent, “Old Player,” comments at length on the views expressed in a letter to the editor by “Vigilant” concerning the non-inclusion of C. G. Porter in the 'All Black team for South Africa. “If Porter had been selected, as he should have been,” says “Old Player,’’ "Rugby enthusiasts in Africa would have had the pleasure of seeing in action one of the greatest wing-for-wards ever produced in the history of Rugby football, and also a player who has revolutionised the position of wingtorward.” “Old Player” concludes as follows: —“Vigilant” congratulates the selectors on their wisdom in selecting men on this year’s form and thus excluding Porter, but is it not reasonable to assume that some of the players selected on this year’s form may not produce the same form next year, and prove a failure on the tour? I am rather inclined to condemn the selectors for their lack of wisdom in not looking ahead and selecting men capable of leading and holding the team together. Some of the members selected to tour Africa are not youngsters by any means, and, indeed, tho showing of some of the backs selected has been decidedly indifferent, particularly so in the case of a Wellington representative back selected to tour Africa. The form shown has been very poor, and yet we find this player selected. Why is this? Can anyone throw any light on this matter?