RUGBY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 26 September 1927, Page 6

RUGBY

ALL BLACK TRIALS. POSSIBLES v. PROBABLES. NORTH ISLAND SELECTION. (by TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1 AUCKLAND, Sept. 25. After watching the All Black trial match on Saturday the selectors chose the following players for the North Island Possibles and Probables match at Palmerston North on Tuesday. The teams are:— POSSIBLES. Full-back: Brown (Taranaki). Three-quarters: Grenside (Hawke’s Bay), South (Wellington), Rushbrook (Wellington). Five-eighths: M. Nicholls (Wellington), L. Johnson (Wellington). Half: Kilby (Wellington. Rover: Porter (Wellington). Hookers: Swain (Hawke’s Bay), Coulston (Poverty Bay). Lock: Conrad (Hawke’s Bay). Sides: M. Brownlie, C. Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay). Back row: Leahy (Wanganui), Galpin (Manawhenua). PROBABLES. Full-back: Thomas (Waikato). Three-quarters: Hook (Auckland), Sheen (Auckland), Brophy (Manawhenua). Five-eighths: Berridge (Auckland), D. Johnston (Taranaki). Half: McManus (Auckland). Rover: Keene (Auckland). Hookers: Hadley, Palmer (Auckland). Lock: Harvey (Wairarapa). Sides: Finlayson (North Auckland;, Ward (Taranaki). Back row: McWilliams (Auckland), Donaldson (North Auckland). Emergencies for both teams: Backs, Bramwell (Poverty Bay), Stringfellow (Wairarapa); forwards, Courtney (Waikato), Anderson (Manawhenua).

SOUTiIERNERS INCLUDED. Taranaki supporters who viewed tilie trial at Wanganui on Wednesday lust wifi note witn pride that flip excellent form siiown by D. Johnston, H. W. Brown and P. vVard has advanced them a further stage in the competition for inclusion among, the payers who will try conclusions with the Soutji African exponents next year. In the review; ot tine Wanganui game published in “The Hawera Star” on Thursday it was predicted that the trio, together with the Stratiord bustler, J. Walter, would receive further consideration from Messrs E. McKenzie, N. A. McKenzie and W. A. Guy. The fact that they can drop a forward showing the dash which tlie Stratford man maintained throughout the earlier trial indicates that the tina; selection should produce a splendid type of shock division playars. Both Brown in the “possibles” and Johnston in the “probables” teams will be playing out of their accustomed positions, the former having been chosen a;s full-back instead of centre, white the latter goes into first instead of second five-eighth. While Brown, however, will be given full; opportumity to display his undoubted soundnests as a defensive agent, Johnston will be somewhat at a disadvantage in that, playing first five-eighth in strange company, he will not be given the customary chances to engineer the openings which are characteristic of his play. In comparing with their respective opponents to-morrow, neither should be completely overshadowed, however, anil despite the fact that L. M. Johnson wil| be a link in the usual Wellington combination, lie will have to play above his form of last Wednesday to keep the Okaiawa favourite out of the running for the Island team. Among the other rear division men seeeted to appear to-morrow each of those mentioned in the “Star” review of Wednesday’s game. Nicholls, Kilby and South, “a,s likely to go further” and Brophy “a,s a possibility’’ have gained places. Leahy (Wanganui) who was placed next to Ward in the Tara-naki-Wanganui scrum, lias been given a. position in the back row to-morrow. Galpin (Manawhenua) and Anderson (Manawhenua), classed a® the pick of the (Tveilington-Manawhenua) scrum, have been selected as a player and emergency respectively, anil ape the only others of Wednesday’s fourteen who have gone further, while Porter, re fern ad to as the best loose forward on the ground, ha.s been given the rover berth.

SOUTH ISLAND. TEAMS. DUNEDIN, Sept. 25. The selectors (Messrs A. J. Geddes, A. Adams and T. Milliken) have announced the following as the teams for the South Island Probables and Possibles match at Christchurch next Wednesday:— PROBABLES. Full-back: Lilburne. Three-quarters: Robilliard, Carleton, Steele. Five-eighths: McGregor (first), Strang (second). Half: Dailey. Hookers: F. Clark, C. Mills. Lock: Cameron. Sides: Godfrey, Greitas. Back row: Bird, Finlayson. Wing-forward: Jonhtson. POSSIBLES.

Full-back: Hazlewood. Three-quarters: McClymont, Lindsay, Snodgrass. Five-eighths: Mitchell (first), H. Jamieson (second). Half: Holden. Front row: Burrows, Hore. Lock: Alley. Sides: Hazlett, R. Stewart. Back row: Marslin, E. Snow. Wing-forward: Scrimshaw. Emergencies for both teams: Reid, E. B. Stewart (backs), Young and McTnnes (forwards). Hindenach is not available. AUCKLAND AND COMBINED TEAM DRAW. AUCKLAND, Sept. 21. The All Black trial match, Auckland and North Auckland v. Waikato. Thames Valley, Bay of Plenty and King Country, was played at Eden Park to-day in tlie presence of about 5000 spectators. The weather was fine but heavy rain in the morning had made the ground very slippery, with portions in a boggy condition. The tnree selectors, Messrs E. McKenzie iWairarapa), A. Guy (Taranaki), and X. McKenzie (Hawke’s Bay), were watching the game. Auckland were the first to attack and a penalty close to the line gave Butler a chance to have a shot at goal'

but the angle was difficult and he missed. Goldsbury made a nice side line run, -which put play in the local territory-. Kemp and Clemett got away smartly and, beating the opposition, reached the line, where in a scramble Cailev touched down. Tuck failed to convert. 3 —o. Tlie combined were more than holding their own. 'Thomas, at full-back, showed up well, and a nice interception by Fitzgerald had Auckland tightly defending. Their forwards cleared the line, and the first of the four spells ended. Play was desultory till the Auckland backs got going with a pretty passing beut, but it was well stopped by Cleniett. who made no mistake in bringing Hook down. The Auckland forwards •bullo'cked their way through the slush and McManus made a good opening for Palmer to score. 3 —3. All the local backs now commenced to throw the ball about. They beat the opposition badly, and a score was twice averted through Hook being pushed out at the corner flag. In a series of attacks Badeley broke through almost to the line, and McManus also figured in a brilliant dash, but the defence held and a force-down brought relief. Auckland kept up the ,pressure till the combined forwards, led by McPherson, McLaren and Brown, shifted play once more to the Auckland half. The Auckland backs promptly retaliated with a smart dash, which completely bewildered the opposition and ended with Finlayson scoring. Berridge making the score as half-time was called: — ■.

Auckland ° Combined Team 3 In the second half Goldsbury, Quinn Foster and Brown dropped out, their places being taken by Hill, Price, Hislop and Skilton. This half started tamely. For a while play centred in a big mud (patch in the middle of the field, but finally the Auckland forwards came away with a sortie, which was followed up by Berlidge, Palmer, oneen and Finlay, but no score resulted, and Combined retaliated with an effective rush, which took plav to tlie other end before the Auckland forwards could get round, McLaren dived over and Thomas converted, thus equalising the score at eight all. The. next incident was when ITook flashed through on his own, only to be brought back after touching down by tlie referee’s whistle. At this stage tiie ground had dried somewhat, and tlie stickiness of the mud patches made play even more difficult than before. Several stoppages occurred through the players being temporarily blinded with mud. Matthias Auckland) was replaced by Jeffreys, and Cavanagh (Combined) by Price. The game was of a ragged nature, but in the last ten minutes the Auckland backs made desperate efforts to again establish a lead, but the condition of the ground and the tenacity of the opposition made their task a difficult one. The game ended: — Auckland 8 Combined Team 8 TRIAL MATCH IN SOUTH ISLAND. CANTERBURY BEAT OTAGO. DUNEDIN, (Sept. 24.

The weather was dull for the Rugby trial, Canterbury and South -Canterbury red) v. Otago-Southland (blue). Eight thousand people were present. The play was interesting from the start, every player being out to shine. In the opening moments Loder was conspicuous, and Iloldcn was playing right up to form. The first score came to the Northerners, 'Strang landing a beautiful goal from a mark. The tackling was deadly on both sides, and Sioel was twice unsuccessful in get ting away. The Red forwards were better than the Blues, but the backs were evenly matched. MeClymont aroused enthusiasm by a fine tut of play in Ihe centre, crushing his way through the field. A bad pass gave the Reds a chance, and Strang, Carleton and Steel combined in a nice rush, the latter seor ii.g easily. The Blues soon retaliated, Lindsay making an opening for Marslin to score behind the posts and Lindsay converting. But the Reds were not to be outdone, a pass from the scrum giving Burrows a chance, which he took,- LilLurne converted, making the scores II to 5. For the rest of the spell Burrows, Godfrey and Scrimshaw were prominent for the Northerners, with Lilburno and Strang; tor the South, Hazelwood. MeClymont, Holden, Hazlett and Marslin. In the second spell Mitchell replaced I,oiler at first five-eighths and Finlay son played instead of Mills, Hore going to the front row in the Otago, ■Southland and North Otago team. J. Enbilliard replaced Carleton as centre, the latter going to second five-eighths in the Northern team. The Blue forwards opened dashingly, Here and Marslin being prominent. The former picked up and sent to Marslin, who scored. Lindsay converted. Otago 15, Canterbury 11. The Northerners were stirred by the reverse, and Dailey made several attempts to get the backs moving, the passing breaking down. J. Eobilliard centred, then from play in midfield Carleton picked up, cut through cleverly and sent infield to Scrimshaw, who sent to Strang, for No. 11, a Canterbury back, to score. Lilburno converted. Northerners 16, Southerners 15. The, game was full of incident. From a passing rush a minute later Steel got across, but Lilburno failed with the kick. Northerners 39 —15.

Play was now very keen, though waged mainly 'by the forwards, the Southern vanguard playing much better than in the first spell. Hazlett showed up in the loose, but the Northerners endeavoured to clear. Hazelwood fielded just inside half-way, the 'Southern full-back potting a great goal with his left foot. Southerners 22 —<19. Play was fast and willing almost from the kick off. Dailey got 'Canterbury’s backs away, all handling, to A. 0. Eobilliard. The wing made a big dash, sending in Scrimshaw, who scored Strang converting well. Northerners 24 22. The Blue forwards threatened the Northerners’ line, but Lilburne saved well, Holden getting the ball away finely and, with Otago pressing hard Lilburne saved by a great mark. _ A cross kick by J. Eobilliard favoured A. 0. Eobilliard. who scored a dashing try. Strang failed to convert. Northerners 27 —22. Polowing a loose burst headed by Scrimshaw and Alley, the latter scored. Carlet’on failed. Northerners 30 —22. In the dying stages of the game Ijinclsay made an opening for McClymont, who made a great run, swerving round his man to score a splendid try. Lindsay failed and a thrilling game ended a minute later with the score: Northerners Southerners 25 Mr. P. Palmer refereed.

REPRESENTATIVE matches WAIRARAPA’S EASY WIN. WELLINGTON, Sept. 25. At Rugby, W-airarapa outplayed Wellington in all departments of the game on Saturday at Athletic Park to win in a liollow fasliion by 36 points to 19. Smashing forward play by the Wairarapa pack allowed their hacks, of whom Cooke was the star performer. to function with great dash. Wellington played in the first spell with the wind, and at half-time led by 13 points-to 11. In the second spell Wairarapa just romped over them as they pleased. Cooke played a great game Troth in attack and defence, and was always found where most wanted. Porter, R.ushhrook and Elvy scored for Wellington. Nicholls converted two tries and kicked two- penalty goals. For Wairarapa, Stringfello-w (3), R. Booth. Cooke, Le Quesne and Reid scored tries. Roach potted a goal. Cundy converted four tries and kicked a penalty goal. Irvine, Harvey and Quentin Donald were always in the thick of it. and Porter, the Wellington wing forward 1 , was more than usuallv subdued. He was not prone to hold on to the hall too long 'yesterday. The Wellington pack were pushed all over the field and outclassed in tlie loose and tight. Wellington were a beaten team right from the start.

SOUTH CANTERBURY v. NORTH OAMARU, Sept. 25. The final game of the season! between South Canterbury and North Otago at Waimate resulted in an easy win for North Otago by 22 points to 6, leaving the rivals with a win each and a draw on the three games played. The North Otago forwards played a line ■bustling game, dominating the play in the last spell. A feature of the game was tlie magnificent goal by Boroman, the North Otago full-back. He dropkicked a goal from a mark from his side of lialf-way.

BUSY SELECTORS. ARRANGEMENTS FOR REMAINING TRIAL. AUCKLAND, Sept. 24. The members of the All Black Selection Committee will do a great deal of travelling during the next few days. To-day Messrs E. McKenzie (Wairarapa), A. Guy (Taranaki) and N. McKenzie (Hawke’s Bay) were in Auckland watching the trial match at Eden Park, while in the South Island Messrs A. Geddes (Southland), T. Milliken (Canterbury) and A. Adams (West Coast) were assembled at Dunedin for the purpose of watching the trial match in that centre. The three selectors at present in Auckland will leave to-morrow night for Palmerston North, where they will be joined by the three selectors from the South Island. The latter will journey up from Dunedin on Monday. On Tuesday, after the match in Palmerston North, the six selectors will leave by motor car to catch the ferry boat at Wellington for Lyttelton. They will arrive in Christchurch on the morning of the match between the Soufh Island Possibles and Probables. The teams to represent the North Island and the South Island at Wellington to-day week will bo announced at the conclusion of the Possibles v. Probables games in the two islands. The selectors will return to Wellington to see the inter-island fixture, and at its conclusion it is probable that they will announce the names of some certainties for the South African tour. Such certainties would then not be required for the final trial, New Zealand Possibles v. New Zealand Probables, to be played in Wellington on October 5. If the latter course is adopted it wiould give the players about whom there may be a slight doubt a further opportunity of playing before tlie selectors.

WARATAHS AT HOME. ANOTHER INTERESTING MATCH WON. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. LONDON, 'Sept. 24. New South Waies beat Neath and Aberavon by 24 points to 5. The Australians’ match was an interesting and polished game throughout. Tne Waratahs’ cleverness and speed were, in the early stages, checked by close marking and great tackling. The first goal came after 20 minutes’ play, Lawton kicking a penalty and adding another penalty goal five minutes later. Once the Welsh dribbling rushes were exhausted, the visitors demonstrated their superior brilliance and effectiveness. 'Lawton’s magnificent placekicking was an outstanding feature. The scores were: Waratahs three goals two penalties and a try; Neath and Aberavon, a goal.