FOOTBALL PREPARATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18706, 12 May 1924, Page 8

FOOTBALL PREPARATIONS.

.*- ? , .'■ —— ♦ — / The Rugby! footballers of New Zealand are preparing for great events to come. Selection of a team ] to tour the world iff a serious undertaking, as is* indicated by the manner in which the trial games are being played. Saturday's meeting between representatives of the Auckland combined districts and the East Coast showed that there is no lack of aspirants to the honour of wearing the black jersey abroad. Indications .noticeable last winter are being repeated. In forwards, New Zealand Rugby football is wonderfully well endowed. The final selection \ of ; those who will play in the touring pack will unquestionably be a matter of difficulty. It is too early yet to say definitely that the backs available do not reach the same level of excellence. Last year the standard of forward play .was.: certainly higher than that produced by the backs. There is time still this winter for a levelling up to be achieved. There is considerable importance in this from the football standpoint. The results of the season just concluded on the other side of the world point to England producing the most formidable . combination the New Zealanders will meet. At the end of the season the English team defeated Scotland by - a substantial score, closing a great record of victories in international matches. As always, Scotland brought a strong, fast, hard-placing pack of forwards to the contest, but I this was not enough. To beat England's best a team >of all-round quality - was needed. The same will probably be true •of ; next; season. This indicates in one way specially what is • generally true, that ; if the international reputation of New Zealand is to be maintained pains must be taken to secure the., strongest combination of backs that can be despatched on the forthcoming tour. ',",,'""' '**"