THE ALL BLACKS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 17, 14 October 1927, Page 3

THE ALL BLACKS

TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA

WHO SHALL BE CAPTAIN?

(By T. A. Grace, ex-Maori International Forward.)

In niy former article on the South African tour I referred to the style of play as played by the Springboks of 1921, and gave my views generally thereon. Now that the team has been selected, I wish first of all to congratulate the selectors on their , selection, especially in regard to the forwards, who are just the type required for such a big tour, and who will, 1 feel sure, worthily uphold the high prestige already gained by New Zealand forwards in the Rugby world. As to the backs, there are one or two surprises, and I would have liked to have seen a little more weight for such a tour. Still, they will no doubt weld .themselves into a great combination. The next step, and a very important one, is the selection of a captain, and I must say there are quite a few candidates who could fill the position well, but none in my opinion are as outstanding as M. Brownlie, of Hawke’s Bay. Brownlie has demonstrated during the six years that he has led the Hawke’s Bay team that lie is a great general and leader. It was due considerably to the latter qualification that the ex-champion province made such a wonderful and smashing record during its tenancy of the shield, for with his untiring energy and persistence in always leading on the great pack that he had, Brownlie was inspiration enough for any player to do Ins best. In the sense of the team leader, “Morry” Brownlie is every inch one. lie is just such a person as is required as captain for the South African tour, for ■ our boys are sure to meet some very tough packs. When the game becomes fierce and hard, and the result doubtful, it requires such a leader as Brownlie to cheer and rally up his comrades. So for these reasons alone, irrespective of other qualifications that he possesses, the post of honour should be given to this champion forward.