RUGBY TEST TO-DAY

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 July 1930, Page 7

RUGBY TEST TO-DAY

/WEIGHTS OF TEAMS ADVANTAGE WITH BRITAIN [special to “stab.”] . „ AUCKLAND, July 25. The correct weights for the British team for to-morrow’s test are:— Backs: Bassett 13.2, Morley 11.4, Aarvold 12.3, Bowcott 11.10, Reeve 13.0, Spong 11.11, Poole 11.6. Forwards: Rew 14.10, Parker 15.1, O’Neill 14.2, Black 13.9, Farrell 13.12, Hodgson 15.0, Beamish 16.4, Jones 13.10. ... , The British side averages 13.5, ana the eight forwards 14.8. . New Zealand: —Backs: Nepia 13.3, Hart 11.7, Cooke 11.1, Lucas 11./, Nicholls 11.7, Strang 12.0, Corner 9.5. Forwards: Porter 13.3, Cottrell 12.12, Hore 13.0, McWilliams 14.4. Hazlett 15.0, Steere 14.7, Batty 12.12, McLean 14.0. The seven forwards in the scrum total 96.7, or an average of approximately 13.12., The total weight of the New Zealand seven scrumming forwards will- be approximately 96st. 71b., and. the, forwards of the eight British ,116st. 61bs., h difference of approximately 20 stone. The New Zealand pack thus faces a heavy handicap in weight, just three' stone more than it faced in the first test. Much is expected of the backs, Strang being expected to effect an definite improvement. Eden Park has been very muddy throughout the week, and though there was a strong drying wind to-day, it will still be soft even if no further rain falls before the match.. Both teams spent to-day quietly. On Monday, 19 or 20 ‘British players will go to Whangarei, others mainly. from the test side will go to Rotorua for a "few days’ rest, before rejoining the others at Hamilton. •

CROWD ASSEMBLING.

AUCKLAND, July 26.

After fine weather yesterday there was rain overnight, and Eden Park Rugby field is bound to be on the heavy side for’the third test. Despite the bleak morning, the crowd began to assemble early at seven o’clock. Although it was then fine, by eight o’clock, it had commenced to drizzle, but the indications are that the day will be showery at the worst.' A large influx is expected from all parts of . the province. • .■ 1 Meantime, 1 the trains are all running late. The southerly weather and Britain’s indifferent showing last week may result in disappointing ,g;ate fig-, ures, although the second test -record of 34,700 ? at Christchurch was expect- 1 ed to be exceeded, especially as the League, Soccer and hockey fixtures, have been postponed for. the occasion.

The occupants of private -grandstands overlooking Eden Park will not be allowed an undisturbed view' of the Test. The football authorities have.arranged to put up fabric screens along the boundaries of the park. Officials state that they will be removed if 2/6 is paid by each person using private stands. Among the 1905 All Blacks certain to be present are Alec McDonald, , E. E. Booth, J. W.. Stead, G. W. Nicholson, Geo. Tyler, G. O. Gillett, while Jas Hunter, J. J. O’Sullivan, W. S. Glenn, W. J. Wallace are expected to Attend.

Poole, unlike Murray buns from the scrum, and Porter will have to mark him. Strang, will be opposed to Spong, Nicholls to Bowcott, Cooke to Aarvold, Lucas (left'wing) to Morley i(right), and Hart (right) to Reeve (left). . <