ATTACK IMPROVED

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 46, 1 September 1928, Page 10

ATTACK IMPROVED

NEW ZEALAND'S TASK (By "Drop-Kick.") Alterations to the South African and New Zealand Rugby teams for the fourth and final Test, to bo played at Newlands, Capetown, to-day, appear to havo affected the wave of optimism in South Africa. The results of the last three matches played by the All Blacks made South Africa's prospects rosy for the fourth Test, but there has been now food for thought by tho inclusion of Nicholls and Lucas in New Zealand's team and by the selection of two new wing-three-quarters, van Nickerk and Morkol, in tho South African team. Nicholls and Lucas aro being given their only, chance in Test games on tho present tour, as, also is Harvey, tho iock. In Harvey's case, however, injuries and sickness have been the reasons for his absenco from the previous Tests. Ever since tho selection of the first Test team there has been much surprise, in South Africa as woll as in New Zealand, at the omission of the two backs now included for tho first and last time, particularly in the case of Nicholls. When the first Test team was announced ono South African critic went so far as to say: "Tho^All Blacks may have cause to regret that they havo deliberately omitted Nicholls from the side; I can think of no other national fifteen that would do so." Since then there has been much surprise at the continued passing over of Nicholls, and it was reported that when the team was announced for tho third Test there was jubilation in the Springboks' camp at the fact that the Now Zealand vice-captain was not included. News to hand from the New Zealand team indicates that in spite ot the newspaper reports iii South Africa, Nicholls was not showing form entitling him to a place in tho Test team. His form, however, has greatly iniprov-^ cd since then, and his selection as a Test player is overdue. Lucas might also havo been given a ehaneo earlier, and on form, Rushbrook must bo counted very unlucky in not getting a game in' a Test. Now Zealand should have gone more for attack in tho other Tests. Nicholls and Lucas would have no doubt been all tho bettor for the final Test had they played in one of the other Tests, .but their inclusion in to-day's team, particularly in the case of Nicholls, is likely to have an effect upon tho Springboks, and the introduction of greater attacking powers may lead the South African tacticians to alter their P Although Now Zealand's prospects havo been given a brighter touch, tho Springboks havo everything in then favour for tho final Test. Thoy aro already a game to tho good; "tlwy have fir more availablo material than the New Zcalandcrs; and they aro playing on their own ground. The New Zealand forwards will havo to be at their best to-day, and it is to bo hoped that there will be no cause for such criticism or. their efforts as was cabled from South Africa after last Saturday's match with Western Province. There must bo no passengers to-day. The difficulties which have faced the New Zealanders on the present tour have been touched upon in previous articles. A great achievement will have been made it tho All Blacks succeed to-day in nnishing all-square with the Springboks on Test results.