RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 211, 20 August 1927, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

HAWKE’S BAY UNION MEETS. SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR DISCUSSED. The weekly meeting of the management committee of the Hawke's Bay Union was held in Napier last evening, when Mr N. A McKenzie occupied the chair. Others present were: Messrs B. Tweedie. H. Seed. E. A. Young, W. D. Corbett. H. V. Phillips. H Brown. W. O’Neill R. M Hewitt. A Kirkpatrick, and W. Anderson (secretary). THE SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR. “It has been mentioned in the press,’’ stated Mr N. A. McKenzie, “that the North and South Island match this rear will not now be in the nature of a South African trial game and will not be confined to players available for the South African tour.” He was of the opinion that this would defeat the obiect of the trials, and thought the Hawke's Bay Union should take notice of what was taking place. There are trials for the South African tour. What's wronn with that? asked Mr A. Kirkpatrick. Mr McKenzie: The North and South teams might include players who are not going to South Africa That will defeat the obiect of the trials. It was the opinion of Mr O’Neill that the North and South game should be the same as that of 1924. the two teams to include only those players available for the tour. After a little further discussion, tlie following resolution was unanimously carried:—“ln view of the tour of South Africa early next winter this union suggests to the New Zealand Rugby Union that the North and South Island game this year be confined to those available for the tour. This game would lie the culminating object of the plavers engaged in the trials, and it would ne of immense value to the selectors m gauging the merits of the candidates for All Black honours. Further, this union is of the opinion that the published statement a< to who it is considered are certainties for North Island honours is embarrassing to both players and selectors, and if true is not in the best interests of the game.” GENERAL MATTERS. The Taihape Sub-Union confirmed September 21 for a match against a Hastings-Napier team at Napier Poverty Bay wrote accepting September 3 for a match against the Hawke’s Bay juniors, and Septembei 10 for the game against the seniors at Gisborne. The Dannevirke Sub-Union wrote accepting a game at Dannevirke on Saturday’ next. Mr H Seed was appointed manager of the Hawke’s Bay team Permission was granted the Bovs’ High School second XV to plav Te Ante College second XV on August 24. at Napier, for the Hawke’s Bav Secondary Schools’ Cup. M. 8.0.8. thirds were granted permission to play Elsthorpe. at Elsthorpe on August 27. COMING SHIELD MATCHES Wellington, August 19. The decision of the Appeal Council in the Ranfurlv Shield dispute means that Manawhenua. for the first time in the history of Ranfurlv Shield matches, is now the holder of the trophy Taranaki still have a chance of securing the trophv. as a ■ match with Manawhenua for the shield on August 31 has been approved. If Manawhenua retain the trophy they will be required to defend it against Wanganui on September 3; then Canterbury will meet the present holders on September 7 Manawhenua are at present on tqur and are to play Auckland, at Auck’land- to-morrow. The match however, will not be for the shield. The trophy is at present in Hawke’s Bay, but as soon as Hawke’s Bay are officially notified of the decision of the Apnea) Council. the shield will no doubt be sent to the new holders. HAWKE’S BAY UNION COMMENT. At last night’s meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union. Mr N. A. McKenzie commented on the decision of the Appeal Council, remarking that “all our worries are now over.” “I think, however,” added Mr McKenzie “that the New Zealand Rugby Union, when notifying the press of the Appeal Committee's decision. should have at least telegraphed us at the same time and advised us officially.” The secretary was instructed to wire Vo the New Zealand Union asking where the shield should be sent as soon as the official announcement is made.