INJURED PLAYERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 56, 3 September 1936, Page 11

INJURED PLAYERS

HAVES AND CERUTTI OUT

It'was ascertained today that it was very doubtful whether .either E. S. Hayes (captain), or W.H. Cerutti would be able to play again on the tour. Thess two experienced players were injured in the first match—with Auckland— Hayes having a rib fractured . and Cerutti had two malar bones in< his cheek broken. Both players have been greatly missed in the recent matches, arid it is a severe blow to the Australians that Hayes's captaincy and steadying influence in the backs and Cerutti's solid play and experience will not be offering for the Test. Hodgson, an outstanding forward, had an ankle injured in yesterday's match, and is now under treatment though still hopeful of being able to play on Saturday. There are others suffering from minor injuries. It was the team's intention to have a practice this afternoon and again tomorrow, and. until it was ascertained definitely to what .extent the form of some ,of the players was affected by. in juries, the selection of the Test team would not be made. ■ .. ■ '

The players indicated today that they had found it very difficult to accustom themselves to wet weather football, and it was a big disappointment to them to find that the rain had followed them to Wellington. It was mentioned by the captain (who feels very keenly the unfortunate - position in which he has been t>lacgd in not being able to help his side on the field of play) that some members of the team had not had a wet-weather Rugby game in two seasons before coming on this tour. v