Picking the All Blacks

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 8

Picking the All Blacks

(To the Editor.) Sir, —It is amusing to read in the Press of the Dominion various persons’ views as to why our Rugby football has deteriorated and the reason for our New Zealand footballers' failing so badly against the Springboks. With all due respect to the selectors as individuals, “the Big Six" (ye gods, what a misnomer!), my advice is to kick 'em out. We had the players in the country who could and would have donkey-licked the 'Boks, yet the best of them never get a chance.

Dinner suits, plus fours and golf clubs won't keep our Rugby at the peak. It is not generally known that prior to the last Test in Auckland, the Springboks, basing their opinions on players met in all the provincial games, selected what they considered the best fifteen in the Dominion, and only three of the All Blacks W'ho participated in the final Test were in the Springboks' selection!

When it comes to the final selection for provincial and All Black honours, let Plain Bill from the Waybacks have an equal chance, provided he possesses the merit, with the city Office Johnny. Then, and then only, will we once again be the Rugby players supreme.—l am, etc., MANAWATU.