RUGBY TESTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 146, 20 May 1930, Page 5

RUGBY TESTS

WANGANUI TEAM FOR WEDNESDAY. Following is the team which will take the field for Wanganui in the opening game of the British tour: — Full-back.—Thompson. , Three-quarters. Tilley, Ambrose, Prince. Five-eighths.—McLennan, Gibbons. Half-back.—Duncan. Wing-forward.—Walden. Backrow.—Leahy, Lockett Supports.—Stewart. Heise. Lock.—Oxlev. Hookers.—Lumsden, Lowry. F. D. Prentice, captain of the visiting team, is suffering from a slight injury to an ear and consequently will not play against Wanganui. In his absence W. H. Sobey will lead the visitors. Tho honour of captaining the Wanganui team falls to Kenneth H. Gibbons, a 19-year-old footballer, whose position is in the five-eighth line. A great record was won by Gibbons while he attended New Plymouth Bays’ High School, for whom he played in 1927, 1928 and 1929. He represented that school in fifteen inter-school engagements, and his side won 13 of those matches. Upon several occasions the wonderful place kicks of this young player turned the tide from defeat to victory. He is regarded as the greatest all-round five-eighth who has played for New Plymouth High School. Last season ho represented the Wanganui union in representative games against Wairarapa, Wellington, Manawhenua and Otago. The averago weight of the Wanganui pack of seven is slightly over 12.13, while the eight British scrummagcrs average a trifle over 14.2. So far as poundage goes the visitors will therefore have a considerable advantage. QUESTION OF COLOURS. Per Press Association. WANGANUI, May 19. At a meeting of the Wanganui Rugby Union held to-night the following resolution was carried: “That the Wanganui Rugby Union endorses the New Zealand Union Management Committee’s decision to play the Dominion team in white at the forthcoming four Tests, and respectfully requests that the Dominion’s traditional sportsmanship be maintained by adhering to this decision, notwithstanding the fine action of Mr Baxter and his team in offering to change their colours. OTAGO UNION COMMENT. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN. May 19. Pointed reference to tho jersey controversy was made at a meeting <a the Otago Rugby Football Union tonight. ' The chairman, Mr H. Harris, said that he did not know whether the committee desired to discuss a certain matter. Perhaps it would be as well if they did not. They had noticed in tho Press that there had been some controversy over the change tho New Zealand Union had made in the New Zealand colours. Thcv would be glad to see ’that there had been an amicable settlement. At tho samo time he thought it must be rather humiliating that tho manager of the British team should have had to teach them what true sport was. He did not know whether the members wished to comment on the matter. It was, however, settled, and the sooner it was forgotten the better. Mr J. B. Wooton: It was bad sportsmanship on New Zealand’s part. The chairman : Well, you don’t wish to discuss it any further? Voices: No. A member: It was hardly a disaster. And the incident, so far as tho Otago Rugby Football Union is concerned, was then closed. STRATFORD VISIT. Per Press Association. STRATFORD, May 19. The British footballers will come to Stratford on Friday, when they will be given a civic reception., The Stratford shops will observe the weekly halfholiday on Saturday next instead of on Thursday, in view of the match against Taranaki at New Plymouth on Saturday. SOUTH ISLAND TRIALS. Per Press Association. WESTPORT, May 19. Eddie Holder, Buffer's brilliant Rugby three-quarter back, and A. McCabe, a rugged forward, who will make his weight and pace felt, are leaving in the morning for Christchurch to take part in the South Island Possibles and Probables match. Accompanying them is “Waff” Quinn, captain of the Old Boys senior team, a player who, as a half or five-eighth, has a genius for opening out the game.