RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 17

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE TOUR OF JAPAN DOMINION UNIVERSITY TEAM PROSPECTS OF AUCKLANDER3 In view of the forthcoming; tour of Japan by the Now Zealand University Rugby team, it was unfortunate, perhaps, for some of the local University players that they were seen by the selector, Mr. P. Martin-Smith, of Wellington, when conditions did not altogether favour their style of play. A heavy ground and a slippery ball made good back play almost impossible, especially as the University rearguard had to contend with Grafton's intensive spoiling tactics. R.-G. Bush should be almost a certainty for the trip to Japan. Following his magnificent display in the Ranfurly Shield match the previous Saturday, he gave another resourceful exhibition. His experience last winter, when he played chiefly in the forwards, must have unsettled him to a certain extent for fullback play, but he is now back to his best form. On Saturday his fielding and picking up were flawless, in spits of the greasy ball, and his tackling and rush-stopping were as deadlv as ever.

Another University player who is showing a welcome return to form is D. B. Mulvihill. the first five-eighths. He is now showing much more initiative on attack, while his low tackling is almost perfect. In view of the attention paid to him by the Grafton forwards and inside backs on Saturday Mulvihill's was an excellent exhibition. The University forwards did not show the same cohesion and team work as the Grafton pack, but for all that A. J. Gibson. R. J. Thomas and J. P. McVeagh must have come prominently before the eye of the selector. Gibson has the makings of a first-class forward and his line-out work already has the stamp of brilliance. Thomas would probably make an ideal frontrow forward against a Japanese scrum, while McVeagh has distinct claims as a loose forward.

SCRUM PLAY

WEAKNESS IN AUCKLAND Several times during the past few seasons the scrum work of Auckland forwards has come under suspicion. The amended rules were in some measure responsible tor this, but, as international rules are now played, that excuse no longer exists. The trouble seems to be that most clubs find some difficulty in getting eight men who will play together as a pack and forwards who can lock a scrum satisfactorily. In the Ilanfurly Shield match the manner in which the Canterbury forwards broke through from scrums and line-outs was proof of a definite weakness in the Auckland pack. Against University the Grafton forwards gave a fine demonstration of the value of solid packing. They were always on the ball and when a rush was stopped they packed down with speed and determination. Forwards working in that fashion can always be relied on to test the soundest defence. It was significant that, although University won the ball from most of the line-outs, the Grafton forwards almost invariably broke through quickly enough to nullify the advantage.

REPRESENTATIVE GAMES

MATCH AGAINST MAORIS With a heavy - representative programme daring the next five weeks the Auckland Rugby Union will find great difficulty in finalising its senior championship and Jubilee Cup competition. The Maoris will be seen in action at Eden Park next Saturday and then matches against Hawke's Bay, Southland, Otago and Wellington are set down in that order. The championship at present is still very open, Grafton leading by one point from Technical with Marist another point away. Grammar Old Boys, Otahuhu and University are three points behind the leaders and Ponsonby four. Great interest will centre in the match between the Maoris and Auckland next Saturday, which is sure to prove a fine draw. By their form in Australia the Maoris have proved the equal of an international side and some of the members are considered in all quarters very unlucky to haxe failed to gain a place in the All Black team now on its way to England.

GROUND AT WHANGAREI

EXTENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS The Whangarei Rugby Union is carrying out very extensive improvements to the playing area at Rugby Park, and it is expected as a result the ground will be in first-class condition for the next Rugby season. Early in the present season the playing field became badly cut up on account of the continuous wet weather, and the committee decided to close it down for playing purposes for the remainder of the season. Consequently all fixtures are being played at Kensington Park. At Rugby Park the committee has carried out a further drainage system, and considerably deepened the existing drains. It is now engaged in having the playing area raised bv covering it with soil. When this is completed, including resowing where necessary, the ground should he one of the best playing areas in the Auckland district, and not subject to heing seriously affected by the heavy rains.