THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21251, 3 August 1932, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

ENGLAND AND AUCKLAND BETTER MATCH ANTICIPATED CHANCES FOR THE NEXT TEST After the disappointing display given by the New Zealand team against England in the first lest match followers of the code are anticipating a better match next Saturday, when the visitors will try conclusions with the Auckland representatives. On paper the Auckland team looks stronger than that which represented the Dominion in the test, and it will not lie surprising if the standard of football is higher on this occasion. England packs such a good scrum, and with its advantage in weight it will lu> difficult for Auckland to gel the ball. However, Campbell is likely to be m >re successful than St. George, and a better game can be expected from Hull us n front-row forward. There is likely to be more sting in the Auckland pack, a factor which was missing from 'ho Nt.-iv Zealand forwards. It was anticipated the selectors would make some changes in the New Zealand team for ihe second test at Christchureh. UelgJOfso seems sure to till the position of fullback and should give bis team more confidence than was the case with Laing last Saturday. The Ponsouby player's experience should stand him in good stead while he is one oi the best tacklers playing the code. Halt, who was chosen tor the first test but had to stand down owing to an injury, replaces L. Scott on the wing. List retains his position at centre, while R. Smith appears to be selected tor the other wing. Cooke and Brisbane _ were the obvious choice for the five-eighths line. Abbott, who has previously represented New Zealand at halfback, takes Masters' place and even if the »South Aucklander has lost some of his form he should do better behind the scrum tfcan Masters. Inclusion of Hamberger Of the forwards who played in the firsttest O'Brien has been dropped and Hamberger, Laird and Glenn arc included. Hall trained with the team for the first match and if back to form should be sure of inclusion. Hamberger played a fine game in the inter-island match and it came as a great surprise that he was overlooked in the test. There should be no doubt about his inclusion on this oc\ casioil. Oil his form in the inter-island match Laird has also just claims for serious consideration It is possible that Stephenson may be the hooker instead of St. George. , A. E. Cooke bore visible marks of his injury received during the first half of the test match. During the week-end Cooke's eye was almost closed. The in'jury will not, however, prevent Cooke from playing next Saturday. J. Thompson, who was the outstanding English forward, has visited New Zealand on three occasions. His form on Saturday was a tribute to his splentjid condition. Thompson must be considered one of the finest front-row forwards ever to represent England. Ho is 30 years of age and captain of Leeds, England s leading club team. What is often considered a world's j record is credited to J. Sullivan, the | English captain. Since 1921 Sullivan has kicked 1565 goals in League football. In 1917 he kicked 175 goals, which is * record for English football. Poor Dominion Scrum The New Zealand forwards packed a poor scrum on Saturday and this had much to do with .losing the ball. The second-row forwards and third man down failed to realise the importance of pushing every ounce on the centre forward. St. George cannot bo solely blamed for being beaten by Lowe, who was in front of a powerful vanguard. The English team will play the third match of its tour against South Auckland at Taupiri to-morrow. The second test is set down for decision at Christchureh on Saturday week. Tho remaining im.lcbe3 of the tour are as follows: — To-morrow.—v. South Auckland, at Taupiri. Saturday.—v. Auckland, at Auckland. Wednesday, August 10.—v. West Coast, at Greymouth. Saturday, August 13.—v. New Zealand, second test, at Christchureh. Wednesday, August 17.—v. North Island team, at Wellington. Saturday, August 20.—v. New Zealand, third test, at Auckland.