CONTESTING TEAMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20620, 19 July 1930, Page 12

CONTESTING TEAMS.

CAPABILITIES DISCUSSED.

INSIDE BACK FORMATIONS.

STRONG AUCKLAND VANGUARD

Although Britain will not bo represented by its strongest team in the match against Auckland at Eden Park to-day, the visiting fifteen is nevertheless almost the equal of its test strength. The defection of Spong will weaken the inside back formation but ho will bo available for the test match next Saturday. Spong is suffering from an injured thumb, l'oolo will play scrum-half and Knowlcs fly-half to-day, but neither has played with regularity on tour.

The remaining backs have all played in a test, match on tour. A formidable forward line faces the Auckland vanguard, and with tho exception of Martindalo tho players have test match experience.

As far as tho Auckland team Is concerned it is expected to extend the visitors. especially in the forwards. The team includes 10 players who have played for New Zealand. There should bo no doubt about the local fifteen seeing out a fast game as the sole selector, Mr. G. Nicholson, has had the players in training for some weeks past.

There is not doubt the Auckland forwards could have been improved by placing Finlayson in the front row with Hadley instead of Palmer. This would have left a place in the back of tho scrum for a heavier forward than Finlayson who, at tho same time, can play a great game in any foiward position. Willi Einiayson in the front row a better scrum balance would have been attained. It. would seem that the success of tho Auckland team in to-day's match depends largely on the forwards who, if they all do their proper share, can be accounted almost the equal of an All Black set. Taking a line on the form of the Auckland vanguard for the past three years, it will extremely disappoint if it fails in to-day's match.

The chiet concern regarding the Auckland team is in regard to tlie five-eighths line. Jamieson is a player who rises to a big match well and Haslain has been playing such good club football that he could scarcely have been overlooked. If tho five-eighths line does what is expected of it on attack and defence, then tho British team will be tested to the utmost. In the threequarter line Minns, Lucas and Hook aro all experienced players, and with reasonable opportunities there is no need for concern reßarding their capabilities.

Auckland will be well served in the last lino of defence by Butler, who is in his best form at present, and as the mutch is Heme played under international rules these should suit hitn admirably. Summed up the game, providing tho weather remains fine, promises to be 0110 of the most Bpectacular ever played in Auckland. The teams for to-day's match are as follows ENGLAND. Fullback.—Bassett (Wales). Threeqiiarters. Eeeve (England), Aarvold I England), Bowcott (Wales), Novis (England). Fly-half.—Knowles (England). Scrum half.—Poole (Wales). Forwards.—O'Neill (Ireland), Parker (Wales), Martind.'do (England), Black (England), Fanell (Ireland), Hodgson (England), Beamish (Ireland) Ivor Jones (Wales). AUCKLAND. Fullback.—Hutler (University). Threequarters. Minns (University), Lucas (Ponsonby), Hook (Ponsonby). Five-eighths. —Jamicson (Ponsonby). Hnslam (Technical). Halfback.—Corner (Grammar). Rover.—Solomon (Ponsonby).

Forwards.— Had ley (Marist). Palmer (Ponsonbyj, A. Knight (Grammar), L. Knight (Grammar), McWilliams (Ponsonby), Fmlayson (Grafton), W. Batty (Grammar)

Mr. J. E. Moffit, who will referee today's match, is an ex-Wellington representative and'plaved for New Zealand in 1920-21.

WELCOME TO VISITORS

LARGE CROWD AT STATION.

" ENGLISHMEN VERY FIT."

Lhe enthusiasm which has been aroused by the visit of tho British Rugby team to Auckland was given full play by a large crowd which thronged the railway station when tho visitors arrived from Rotorua yesterday afternoon. The team was met on arrival by the Mayor, MiGeorge Baildon; the president of the Auckland Rugby Union, Mr. J Arneil, and Sir James Gunson, a vice-president of the union, as well as members of the management committee and [(layers. As the members of the team left their carriage they were received with cheers

Speeches of welcome were made by the Mayor, Mr. Arneil and .Sir .James Gun son. "We have a team in Auckland which we believe to be as good as any other in New Zealand." Sir James said.

" If it can win to-morrow wo will naturally be delighted, but we wish you tho veiy I.est of games."

IM'glit with the reception extended to hi in and his team was expressed by Mr. James Baxter, the visitors' manager. It was typical, he said, of the receptions

tt.ey had received throughout the Dominion and just as in other cities and towns they had been sorry to depart, he was sure that they would not want to leave Auckland. However, definite arrangements had been made for the tour and the team would have to travel to Lotonia to-morrow morning to rest, for the test. They would return to Auck land next Thursday.

Football is not the only object of this visit," Mr Baxter said. " When it was decided to send this team it was hoped that, as a result of the visit, Britain and New Zealand might get to know one another better; it was hoped that the team in some small way might help to .strengthen the bonds of our great Empire. If we can du this we will be happy indeed."

When Mr Baxter stepped down from the improvised platform the crowd called for F. I). Prentice, the captain. "Wo have heard a lot about Auckland and have been keen to get here," he said. "The team which will play your side tomorrow is very fit, but we feel that we have a hard game ahead of usNaturally, we hope to win, but whichever way the game goes I am sure wo shall enjoy it." On leaving the station the team was motored to the lioyal Hotel in English

cars, decorated with red, white and liluo streamers. The players for to-day's game then went, to Eden Park and held a short practice, supervised by Prentice.