CHOOSING RUGBY TEAMS

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 29 September 1933, Page 9

CHOOSING RUGBY TEAMS

REMARKS BY ALL BLACK

SELECTOR

ONE-MAN PLAN FAVOURED.

At the request of the chairman of the social held, last night by the Hawera Rugby Football Club Mr L. V. Carmine, of Hawera, an ex-All Black selector of 1924 gave an instructive talk on team selection and some of his experiences in other parts of New Zealand.

Referring to the question of teams generally, Mr Carmine said he considered that conditions nowadays were too easy and that players did not train so steadily and get so fit as was the case years ago. He recalled, when on the West Coast, having to travel long distances by buggy or coach and then to walk nine miles to get to a match, when travelling from Westport to Denniston. The ground was not turf but a dirt surface and in many parts there were stones to be seen.' The coach insisted on men training hard, and if they did not, their places were filled bv others. He considered they played harder and more vigorous football and urged all young players should get and keep fit so as to improve the standard of play. Mr Carmine said he had been at one time South Island .selector and one of the selectors of the unbeaten 1924 All Black team. Ho considered the sole selector was the best scheme and added that, if there were three selectors, one. might disclaim responsibility fo rincluding certain players. He realised the difficulty in a scattered district like Taranaki, of one man being able to seo all matches, but still he maintained that, all things, considered, the sole .selector was the best. He urged that all players would be out to maintain their own reputation and that of the selector.

In the mat/ter of representative teams Mr Carmine said there was a certain amount of luck, for a, player might conceivably play an outstanding game' on one particular day when the selector was present. He instanced one case where his co-selector.si approved a certain player and, although he did not agree, be gave way because the man was a good type and deserved a chance, but the player failed badly at the very next match. It was not always the really good solid player who got into a team, said Mr Carmine, and a man might be included because he happened once to show out prominently. Therefore it was essential that the selector should, if possible, see all matches. jin expressing appreciation of the remarks of Mr Carmine, Mr J. Howe said that he considered the selectors should consult with the coaches of Ibe teams and take them into their confidence. That, he considered, was a valuable help in selection. The chairman. Mr A. Hunter jtlianked Mr Carmine for his interesting talk, and said he was sure all had enjoyed the recital of his experiences in the selection of teams.