THE RANFURLY SHIELD

Evening Star, Issue 17454, 10 September 1920, Page 6

THE RANFURLY SHIELD

TO-MORROW’S STAR FIXTURE [By Osiookbb.] >.The Question of the Hour; Will Otago wrest the Ranfurly Shield from Welling, ton? It is discussed on the trams, in the trains, and on the street corners’, and judging by what one can bear Carisbrook will be the Mecca to-morrow of thousands of citizens. Opinions seem to favor the local players. While admitting that they have a strong pack, and are certain to give a highly creditable showing, I question their ability to succeed where Auckland, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Canterbury and Wairarapa have failed. It is nonsense to argue that the visitors are merely an attacking team, and that if our forwards can hold them up victory is assured. Both and South Canterbury seemingly did this in the first spell during the past week, but Wellington dominated the position m the last half. Having seen quite a number of matches here this season, and having “ marked, learned, and inwardly digested” the doings of the northerners, I am reluctantly compelled to express the belief that when the bell is finally sounded to-morrow another scalp will* bo added to their record.

The Ranfurly Shield, the bone of contention, was first awarded to Auckland by the New Zealand Rugby Union in 1902. but m 1904 Auckland lost it to Welling! j regained it the following year, and held it until 3913, when Taranaki won f bj a 4 .?° n l ts \° 1L In 1914 Wellington seemed the trophy, and as there were no shield matches during the war period, have retained it since then. Last Veason Welling,on chivalrously agreed to waive the condition that the challenger must invaae the domain of the holder of the shield, hence Otago having it s first Ranlutoy bhieid game on Dunedin soil. Wellington's colors are black, with sold monogram In order to avoid confusion Otago will play m the ’Vareity colors, light blue. ’

to E. Roberts the visitors have a great resourcelul player. Old Rugby fans will rememner his redoubtable uncle, the halfback of the original All Blacks (1905), and captain of the New Zealand team which Ms! ted Australia in 1910. 0 M ‘ K ? nzie > who refereed in the SouJi Canterbury-Wellington match at J-imaiu, has been invited to control the whistle. As already mentioned, Mr J. 1 eake of Christchurch, was unable to. officiate.

In order to give northern residents an opportunity of witnessing the game it has been agreed to delay the departure of the 4-48 Palmerston train till 5.30 p.m. Country folk are expected to taka advantage of the Railway Department’s concession.