TRAINING FOR TEST

Evening Star, Issue 22723, 10 August 1937, Page 8

TRAINING FOR TEST

ALL BLACKS MAY LOSE RANKIN DETAINED AT HOME WITH ILLNESS (Special to tub ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, August 10. 111-fortune appears, to bo dogging the 1997 All Blacks. Following on the loss to the team through the injuries of N. A. Mitchell and T. O. Morrison, the New Zealand selectors were further perturbed this morning on learning that J. G. Rankin, of Canterbury, had not arrived from tho south to go into training with tho other members of tho side at Otaki. Rankin, it is stated, has had to remain behind in Christchurch because of an illness which may he more or less temporary, hut which may possibly keep him out of next Saturday’s test. A further report from Christchurch concerning Rankin’s condition is anxiously awaited. Tho general view is that if he is not available New Zealand’s prospects will be seriously prejudiced. The other southern members of the All Black team left Wellington for Otaki this morning under the charge of J. T. Burrows. Training will start this afternoon, with W. J. Wallace assisting Burrows. It is expected that the All Black tost fifteen will he announced after the meeting of the Now Zealand Selection Committee on Thursday. They will stay in camp until Saturday morning, and not spend Friday in Wellington as was originally intended. RANKIN AWAITS DOCTOR'S DECISION [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, August 10. ,T. G. Rankin, the loose forward, selected to train with the All Blacks, is indisposed, and awaits the decision of the doctor as to whether he shall join the team at Otaki. The doctor will examine Rankin this evening and if ho approves Rankin will leave straightway for Wellington, either by boat this evening or by air in _tho morning. An inquiry at Rankin’s home this morning did not reveal the nature of his indisposition, but it is not the result of a football injury. 1,500 FROM AUCKLAND f - THREE SPECIAL TRAINS [Pen United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 10. In one of the biggest excursions ever to leave Auckland, at least 1,500 people are expected to travel to Wellington for tho Springbok test match. The bookings have been heavy, and the supply of seats is expected to run out in the next day or two. Specials will leave Auckland on Friday at 2.20 p.m., 3.50 p.m., and 5.40 p.m,, leaving Wellington on return on Sunday afternoon. Thirty-sis cars will be used, THE SPRINGBOKS [Per United Press Association.] MASTERTON, August 10. Tho Springboks began serious training to-day, some having an early morning run. A practice was held this afternoon, and will bo continued tomorrow afternoon, Tho team will return to Wellington on Thursday afternoon. All entertainments at night have been cancelled, except one.