SHIELD HOLDERS’ TEAM

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 June 1928, Page 12

SHIELD HOLDERS’ TEAM

PROBLEM IN CANTERBURY. INSIDE BACKS WANTED. STAR'S WITH ALL BLACKS With the Rugby season already well under Wav, enthusiasts are beginning to discuss the possible personnel of the Canterbury representative team. More than us'iial interest is being taken in the selection of the Red and Blacks this season, because, for the-first time in their history, they will be called upon .to defend the Ramfurly 'Shield. The first- challenge match will be against Wairiarapa, on July IS. While there are plenty of good forwards in 'Christchurch, outstanding backs seem to be in the minority. This is perhaps h'ardly to be wondered at for, with Dailey, McGregor, Lilburne and Robilliard away with the All Blacks, Canterbury have lost four of* their most outstanding backs of last season. Their places will admittedly not be easy to fill. The inside back positions appear to 'be the. difficulty. There seem to be hardly any outstanding inside backs playing in Christchurch at present. However, it is possible that the progress of the season will reveal a “star.”

As far as the full-back is concerned, there appears to be‘only one “possible” for the position, and ho is J. 11. Harris. Had he been available there is little doubt that he would 'have (been a member of the team, for South Africa. Failing Harris, the most likely candidate seems to be C. 'Cbesley, of Varsity. Chesley has shown good form as a fullback this season, but it is just possible that he would go better on the wing. 110 is certainly a very dashing player. THE THREE-QUARTERS.

When it comes to the three-quarters there are quite a number of .candidates who have about equal claims to consideration. N. Dorreen and J. Steel are two names that will come readily to mind, as they have already been tried and not found wanting in big football. Unfortunately, the other Saturday Steel sustained a broken collarbone. This [will probably keep him from playing for several weeks, and will perhaps spoil his chances of gaining a place in the reps. However, in spite of this handicap, the claims of Steel will have to be seriously considered, for he is undoubtedly a very fire winger.

Several young three-quarters have come to the fore this season. As an attacking back one of the moat promising is G. F. Hart, of Christchurch. Varsity have two promising wingers in M. F. Calder and L. G. L'overidge. The latter has previously played for Canterbury, but he has hardly fulfilled the promise 'that he gave a year or two back. Calder is distinctly promising, but a bit on the “green” side. ill. Goodman, of Merivale, is a very speedy winger—perhaps the fastest .in the competition—.though Hart would pro bablv be able to stand him up over a hundred. The trouble with Goodman is thlat he is on the light Side and lacks inches. Another good attacking three-quarter, (who has come to Ithe front this season, is W. E. Merritt. Merritt is, however, not too sound on defence.

The most likely Candidate for the centre three-quarter position at present is H. Ogier. C. Oliver also has claims for the centre position, though this season he has been playing fivedighitk's for Merivale. J. Robilliard, of 'Christlchur'ch, and J. Galbraith, of Varsity, arc two young centres who have shown promise this season. Robilliard has all the natural advantages, as lie is tall and powerfully built, and has a good turn of speed. The claims of J. Pavnc will also have to be considered. Tt is true that he was tried for 'Canterbury last season and failed rather badly, but he has beeu going well in club football this season.

THE INSIDE BACKS. While there arc plenty of promising three-quarters, five-eighths of the same category seem ito be few and far between. D. Hay, of Old Boys, may be chosen as first five-eighths, though it is doubtful whether at present lie is up to representative standard. Another promising Old Boys player is G. Mchrtens. T. Davies '(Merivale) has boon showing great form, and if he maintains it, liis claims for a place in the provincial side cannot be overlooked. A good deal Is expected of W. R. Teape, the now five-eighths for Christchurch. Teape wms one of the outstanding backs of the College Rifles team, Auckland, last year. Iu D. G. Grant and J- Hawke's, Varsity have a couple of promising five-eighths, and the claims of the former are freely favoured iu some quarters. T. F. Mullian will pi-6bably be halfback for Canterbury, but he will have to play better than he has done in some games this season if he does not want to run the risk of being passed ever. J. H. F. Sugdcn, the Varsity half, has shown good form, and G. Morris, of Technical, is also very promising. THE FORWARDS. When it comes to the forwards there is plenty of material for the selectors to pick from. In fact, the selectors may find it will not be a 'question of whom ;to put in, but whom to leave out. Frank Clark, -of Old Boys, if he is at his best, will probably be one of the hookers, and A. I. Cottrell, of Christchurch, has also been freely mentioned as a possible 'for the front row. E. N. Moore (Christchurch) 'and J. O’Connor (Albion) are also good hook ers. P. Weber, a new player for Albion this season, may be selected to lock the Canterbury scrum, but he will probably have a serious rival in J. Manihera, of Linwood. A. Y. Montgomery and H. B. Godtrey are likely to find places in the Canterbury scrum. Varsity have two or three foiwards who are sure to be knocking at the door.