S. Africans Surprised By All Black Changes

Northern Advocate, 20 July 1949, Page 6

S. Africans Surprised By All Black Changes

.. (From Claude King) JOHANNESBURG, Tue. (11.30 a.m.). —A decision by the All Blacks selectors to make 10 changes from the test side in the tta:» to meet Transvaal has surprised South Africans. Transvaal is one of the strongest sides the All Blacks may meet and is led by the veteran hooker Lotz, who may yet gain a place in the Springbok side in the remaining tests. However, the All Blacks felt bound to give other players who are in the running for test places their chance. Actually, the virtual first test side had been playing together for several games beforehand and the problem of keeping the remainder fit became an increasing one.

For example, Black has played four games and Gudsell three out of 12 matches to date, yet both have shown sufi.cient promise to be in the running for selection in the tests. The only surprise among the pack chosen to meet Transvaal is the omis- ■■ n of McHugh. In four games as lock forward, his r.;t .•'•ash in the loose and ability to , a ;.rough in line-outs impressed 60 ih African- press writers. He seems ideally suited to the style of forward play here, where scrummaging usually resolves itself into a cjuick heave,- quick possession and then a quick break. J. W. GODDARD UNLUCKY

It did seem that Saturday’s team would not suffer by spelling Harvey who has already had nine games, and pairing Fraser with McHugh in the lock position. It would appear that in the absence of Grant the selectors felt it neces- " sary to retain Harvey for his ahility in line-outs as lie'was the next best forward in the first test to Grant in this department. Another player who appeal’s unlucky is J. W. Goddard. His positional work in the three matches in- which he has played was up to that of Scott, while his line kicking was more accurate. Goddard will no doubt be given the fullback berth in both games in Rhodesia. . DELAMORE’S FATE Delamore has suffered through a surplus of inside backs, and seems fated to be relegated to minor matches. As it is likely-that Black arid Gudsell will be given most chances to prove their claims for inclusion in the test side. Delamore may next be seen at centre, but here a further problem may arise. M. P. Goddard’s wrist has mended nicely and this brilliant centre must receive his chance His first game since his injury six x weeks ago may be in one of the matches in Rhodesia. If Goddard can quickly regain his best form, the selectors will have no easy task in choosing future test S OF LEADERSHIP I would always have Allen in the team if he is fit and well, as he has qualities of leadership which measure up to the best All Black captains. After his injury at the outset of the tour he took a long spell and returned to the side refreshed, and gave it valuable thrust down the centre of -• the field, but any injury tends to robhim of this precision and thrust, and such . appeared the case last Saturday in the first test. Gudsell is a possible alternative to Allen as second five-eighths and much interest will centre in his performance * against Transvaal. He' has played in three games only • and was outstanding in one, but this was the weakest opposition encountered on the .tour. More is required before he can become' a real test prospect, but- he is a young footballer of distinct possibilities on attack, and he is also most resolute on defence. ,On form through the tour, however, it would be 'absurd to pass over All£n if he is fit. ■' NO RAIN ■ There -has not been any rain in the Transvaal since the All Blacks were last here, and conditions for Saturday’s game .shoiild be ideal, with a firm ground. The Transvaal team contains four forwards who took part in the first test in Geffin, Van Jaarsveld, Du Plessis and Muller. Three others, Dannhauser, lock forward, Muller, scrum half, and Louw, fullback, were Springbok test possibles. The Transvaal team is:— Fullback. Louw; threequarters, Kotze, Stewart Bring, Badenhorst; halves, Pienaar Muller; front row, Geffin, Lotz, van Jaarsveld; middle row, Malan, Dannhauser. du Plessis, Pelsen; back row, Muller.

Powell Shield Mandger s The Whangarei Rugby Union management committee last night appointed Mr I. Conway manager \ of the third-grade/representative team which plays Mangonui at Kaitaia on Saturday for the Powell Shield. The team travels north on Friday afternoon and returns on Saturday evening. The Whangarei Brake Shield trial game is being played as a curtainraiser to the Whangarei-Otamatea Harding Shield match.

Mangonui 3rd Graders

KATKuA, Wed. (Sp.>— Although the main Rugby football attraction at Kaitaia next Saturday will be the third-grade representative fixture for the Powell Shield, between Whangarei and Mangonui, competition games will be continued in all grades under the Mangonui union’s jurisdiction. The selector (Mr E. F. Rive) has announced the following Mangonui thirdgrade team: Fullback, F. Morey; three-quarters, R. Yates, N. Berghan, J. Yates, N. Erceg or S. Shirley (one to be omitted), L. Werner; halfback, R. Shaw; forwards, front row, Julian, Cosson, G. Walters; breakaways, F. Moore, Simperingham; locks, B. Weber,. Ridings; back row; M. Walters. Emergencies.—Forwards, R. Heywood, B. Thompson; backs, Erceg or Shirley, Switzer.