INTEREST IN MATCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 12

INTEREST IN MATCH.

THE HONOURS STILL EASY.

FAITH IN DOMINION SIDE.

GREAT GAME ANTICIPATEDThe All Blacks will play the third test match against the Springboks at Port Elizabeth to-day. The great interest displayed in the first two tests throughout the Dominion will be eclipsed by that with which the result will be awaited on this occasion. Honours are still even in matches which have been played between tho All Blacks and Springboks, and with two tests still to be decided Rugby supremacy as between these two countries hangs in the balance. Out of the last 14 matches played tho All Blacks have only lost the first test and drawn against Northern Districts. Whatever the result may be to-day a titanic struggle for supremacy is sure to

ensue. The early announcement of the twentyone Springboks chosen for training rovealed several new players in the ranks. A great surprise was created by the omission of Kruger, considered one of the best international forwards of all times. Devine, the clever halfback, was also excluded in favour of De Villiers. Preference for Young Players. Several new names appeared among the forwards, it seemingly being the idea of the South African selectors to introduce some younger players. This has proved to be the case as five new Springboks will mako their appearance in to-day's match. Without the slightest doubt tlio continued success of the All Black vanguard has caused the South African selectors much concern. It is now certain Stanley Osier, not Bennic, was the player who was unavailable owing to an injury. Another surprise was occasioned when Strang was omitted from the 18 New Zealand players selected to train. Tho South Canterbury man was responsible for the one point lead gained by tho All Blacks in the second test by drop-kicking a goal. However, Lilburne has made such a success in the five-eighth position that it would have been surprising if lie had failed to gain a place. His combination with Nicholls has been a feature of recent matches and 011 account of the good combination between the pair, and the obvious loss of form by Johnson, it was thought Nicholls would gain preference over his provincial confrere in to-day's match. Lucas Still Excluded. Aucklanders would, of course, have been very pleased to hear that Lucas had been included in the test side. However, such seemed a remoto possibility, as the threequarter line which played in tho two previous tests must have given satisfaction. It seems such a fine player as tho Aucklander has proved himself is kept out of the team solely on the scoro of defence.

Regarding the forwards Burrows had claims for inclusion but it is fairly apparent lie was chosen to train in case Hadley, who received a recent injury, should happen to fall out. Only one try has been scored in the two previous tests, this being registered by the Springboks in the first match. Nothing further has been heard regarding the objection raised by the Springbok manager to the loose head formation adopted by the All Blacks. It is most unlikely, however, that any action will bo taken to prevent it. _ The referee apparently raised no objection to this method in the second test and as the same official will have charge of today's match, the All Blacks should have no' trouble as far as he is concerned.

To date the All Blacks have played 18 matches, won 14, lost three, and drawn one, having scored 305 points against 112. The results of all test games played between the Springboks and All Blacks are as follows: — In New Zealand, 1921.—First test: All Blacks, 13; Springboks, 5. Second test: Soringboks, 9; All Blacks, 5. Third test: Springboks 0; All Blacks, 0. In South Africa, 1928. —First test: Springboks, 17; All Blacks, 0. Second test: All Blacks, 7; Springboks, 6.