FIRST LEG-IN

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 151, 30 June 1928, Page 9

FIRST LEG-IN

TODBISTS' BEST CHANCE (By "Drop-Kick.") ■ In ontering upon the series of Tests to decide the world's Eugby premiership, New Zealand is faced with one of its biggest tasks in the history of the game. A splendid set of forwards and a division of backs capable of showing a high standard of efficiency has been chosen for the job, and, with all the confidence that is being placed by South Africans in their side, there should be nothing lacking on this score from New Zealand's many followers. Word from the New Zealand team itself states that all the membejrs are quietly confident, and this, with tihe undoubted ability, strength, and determination that the team possesses, augurs well for a first leg-in. All things e»nsidened the All Blacks should have th«eir best chance of success in this first Test, for not only should they be a' better team than at any previous stage of the tour, but they should also have an advantage over the Springboks' in ,the matter of combination. The Springboks are playing as a team for the . flrst time. Though they have been, in solid training for a week, the South African has not had the same majtch play as the touring side, and experience of match play counts for a good deal. So far as the games is South Africa are concerned, the New Zealanders have, of course, been looking mainly to tho Tests, and have laid their plans accordingly. It is perhaps well to recall some remarks made by the manager before the team left Wellington : for South Africa. Success in all games was riot. anticipated. "It is too much, to expect this team to go through South Africa without a defeat," said Mr. W. F. Hornig. "In ten years time ■ the public will have forgotten if we lose a match in one of the smaller centres, but they will not forget if we lose a Test. No stone will be left untunned to win the Tests. We are right after them." "There are great issues at state," the New Zealand Rugby Union stated in its report,'' but, while we have every confidence in our players, we hope and feel sure that they will consider the game itself above the final result. While each country is anxious that its team should gain the verdict, we hope; tho main result of the tour will b*, to strengthen the ties of friendship between New Zealand' and South Africa. The team goes with the" very best wishes; of the whole of New Zealand, and we wish ,them every success." Those sentiments will be endorsed! by all followers of the game in New Zealand ..In the notes on the South Afifican players, published in "The Post" yesterday, there was an obvious typographical error making it appear that de Villiers was captain of the team. P. Moatert is the captain. Tho referee, Mr. Neser, played for Oxford University in 1919-20-21, and was tried out for international honjours in 1921. '