ENGLISH TEAM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 16 April 1928, Page 9

ENGLISH TEAM

TO VTSTT NEW ZEALAND IX 1930 United Proas Association—By Klectric i'tjlegrapli—t'opyriglit Australian Press Association LONDON. Mtb April. The English l<nghy I'nion nnaniiiiotisly accepted an invitation from New Zea land t.i f.end a te.-nn to New Zealand and New iSmuh IVal.s ,ii 1930. Other lloiin unions hiive promised permission foi any of theii players invited to join the. darn. "OIUJAT ISSUES" A MKMOPAULE SEASON A section of the annual report of the New Zealand I'ugby I'nion deals with the tour ,>f the New Zealand team to South Africa. The season, it is stated. promises in he a mora bit- one in the history of the game in New Zealand, and also in South Africa, because, for the titsi time, a team thoroughly representative of N.w Zealand ys visiting South Africa and playing a series of 22 matches in that country. There can be no doubt that the great contest will be eagorlv followed by Foot hall lovers in every Kughy-plaving country, for it is gen-

erally acknowledged thai. From llie point of view of playing strength. New Zealand ami South Africa are the foremosi countries in the world. "The team goes with the very best wishes of the whole of N.-w Zeaiand. and we wish them every success. There are great issyes :il slake. Inn while we have every confidence in our player-. '.'. e hope and feel sure that thev will consider the game itself above the final result. While each country is anxious that its team should gain the verdict, we hope the main result nf the tour will be fo strengthen the ties of friendship between New Zealand and South Africa."

As the team will he playing on harder football fields than in New Zealand, and under conditions where replacement of injured plavers will not be allowed, the co'mmitiee deemed it necessary to put all selected players through a very strict medical test' before leaving the Dominion. It is reassuring and gratifying to know thai every member passed the lest easily, while in" several eases the doctors added verv complimentary references to the physique of Ihe men they examined. The'report adds: ■•From a, playing point of view, the trial matches revealed a wealth of talent, and competition for all positions was very keen. It is also gratifying to see so many young players showing ureal promise, so that we can with confidence look forward to the future From a. financial point of view "lso the irial names were a success, and n profit of £I6OO l"s 8d is shown in the balance-sheet-."