RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 29 June 1925, Page 9

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

THE TARANAKI REP. TEAM

COMMENTS ON THE SELECTION

C. Paterson, the Kaponga centre, who has been selected to fill the fullback position, undoubtedly merits his inclusion in the team by his display against Wanganui, when he was one of the best backs on the ground. A sure field and tackier, he may he relied upon to meet his responsibilities with credit.

The three-quarters, Hart, Brown and Ennis, if in form, must be reckoned a dangerous trio. The first-named has not played regularly this season, and therefore his form must be taken on trust. Brown, at centre, is back in his own place, and is at present showing some of the form which merited his selection in last year’s All Blacks. Ennis, on the wing, has a position better suited to his qualifications than that previously held by him.

Among the middle backs Bruce is a solid, reliable player, but lacks the dash, required of the position, and it is questionble whether Guy, of Kaponga, who is second emergency, would have not been a better selection. Oliver on his form against Wanganui could not be left out.

The selection of Jeffries behind the scrum! has caused surprise in some quarters. Although he is undoubtedly sound, he lias not the brilliancy of Morey, of Old Boys. Perhaps the wish of the selectors to keep the Tukapa combination has resulted in the passing over of Morey and Lynskey, of Kaponga, as well/ The latter, on his form this season, has certainly a- big claim to the position. Of the mediocre set oE rovers in this season’s competition Eryday is no doubt the pick, but in: meeting Porter will he up against a; hard proposition. The forwards ought to make a very strong combination, but will need to be in the pink of' condition, as Wellington has a powerful and well-trained pack. Although the Taranaki pack contains one or two veterans, the younger exponents have not progressed sufficiently to displace them. The only selection "which may not meet with favour by Taranaki followers is that of the first emergency, Johnson (Tukapa), who in the Wanganui game did little to justify his nreference to many of the excellent forwards appearing in’ club football this season. Given fine weather, the Wellington team as chosen should show something brilliant in the way of Rugby, as youth is Well blended with experience, and All Blacks Nicholls, Porter and Svenson are said to be .plaving right on the ton of their form. The pack, led by Sid. Shearer, the noted Poneke player, showed splendid form against this season’s All Blacks. On the recent form shown hv the two provinces, however. a sterling struggle, worthy of the tradition associated With their .games in the past, may be ’ anticipated.