KIWIS' NEXT MATCH

Evening Star, Issue 25634, 7 November 1945, Page 6

KIWIS' NEXT MATCH

MEETING FORMIDABLE SIDE | COMBINATION OF RUGBY AND LEAGUE STARS (N.Z.E.F. Special Correspondent) (Rec. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 6. The N.Z.E.F. Rugby team meets an exceptionally strong side, representing the Northern Services, at Leeds, on Saturday, when the opposition will be made up of 10 Rugby League players, of whom seven are internationals, and five Rugby internationals. The Services team is:—F. Trott (Wales, Rugby), A. E. Johnson (England, League), C. Price, A. J. Risman, A. Edwards, C. Evans (Wales, •League), H. Tanner (Wales, Rugby), E. Evans (Wales, League), J. D. H. Hastie (Scotland, Rugby), W. G. Jones (Wales, Rugby), J. B. Lees (Scotland, Rugby), D. Phillips (Wales, League), I. Owen (Wales, League), J. H. Fox, and G. S. Brown. * Even against this galaxy of stars of both codes the Kiwi backs can be'j expected to perform well. FORWARDS' WEAKNESSES. The chief concern of the selectors will be fielding a pack which can-give them a fair share of- the ball. The main problems in the forwards are the correct packing down into the scrums, faster hooking when the ball is secured, and getting the ball to the backs from rucking. With the first phase of the tour ended with the return from Wales, the team has made an excellent start. The forwards have had three exceedingly hard games, and the best_ vanguard combination fielded -was against Swansea. In the matches the forwards have failed to get the ball smartly to the backs, and though several b ve (played excellently individually, they have not yet blended into a co-ordinated pack. In open play there has been excellent co-operation between forwards and backs. Finlay has been the outstanding forward in the three games, and others making an early good showing are Woolley, Arnold, and Simpson. THE BACKS SHINE. The backs have made an exceedingly promising start, and it is certain that' some will return with big reputations. They are very enterprising, their handling is good, and they are already showing excellent combination. So far, the centre, J. B. Smith, has attracted most attention, and he has given two remarkably fine performances. His ability to change pace has repeatedly carried him through gaps to make good openings for his wings, and this team is playing on the wings much more than is usual in New Zealand Rugby.

F. R. Allen, with two games at first five-eighth, has also shown a great eye for an opening and great speed, and is the most dangerous attacking player. Allen is covering well in defence, and has playedl two fine games. The team appears specially well served with wingers, having four of definitely good class. Sherratt has done the best so far. Scott has won much praise for two almost faultless displays as full-back, and his kicking has contributed 17 points to the team's aggregate of 60.