THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22231, 4 October 1935, Page 9

THE LEAGUE CODE

THIRD TEST MATCH '?! \ AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDj CHANGES IN HOME TEAM | Interest in the third and final Rugby League test match at Carlaw Park tomorrow has been heightened by' the fact that each team has won one game to date. New Zealand won the first test by 22 points to 14, while in the second game last Wednesday Australia outclassed the opposition, winning by 29 points to 8. In the second test Australia proved a brilliant combination, and completely bewildered the New Zealand players with pace, quick change of direction, clever passing and ability to turn defence into attack in a flash. However, the tackling of the home side was weak, and if it is to have any prospect' of success in. the ijatch to-morrow, a great improvement will need to be shown in this department. The New Zealand forwards will have to keep together better, while the covering in defence and following up will have to be done as a team and not as individuals. ( With Cooke on the injured list the home rearguard has been considerably weakened, while the selectors have given some new players a trial. Hunt, Taranaki, will fill the fullback position,: while Mitchell, a club confrere of Mincham, has replaced the latter on the wing. This is rather surprising, as last Wednesday was the first occasion on which Mincham failed to reveal his best form this season. Kay has been placed in the centre position, and his tackling will have to show improvement on that of last Wednesday for him to justify his inclusion. ■ . : Five-eighths Line Prentice and Riley should combine and defend well in the five-eighths line, while Fletcher, who usually plays fiveeighths or centre in club football, is to be tried at halfback. Fletcher filled this position with credit while on the southern tour with the Auckland team and he has twice played half for Richmond in club matches. Altogether there is more speed in the rearguard than that which represented New Zealand last Wednesday, while the defence also appears to have been strengthened. An injury to Ward, the Canterbury hooker, has made it necessary for Hutt to take this position again, while it is pleasing to see Tetley back in his position of breakaway. Another forward who should strengthen the pack is Lawless, and he has thoroughly deserved selection owing to his fine form during the past few seasons. Few Changes Expected The Australian team will not be selected until to-day, but few changes are exacted in the side which gave such a good display last Wednesday. The New Zealand team for the match ! is as follows: — 11 Fullback. —0. Hunt (Taranaki). Threequarters.—L. Brown (Auck-' land), A. Kay (Auckland), A. Mitchell (Auckland). Five-eighths.—-B. Riley (Auckland), S. Prentice (Auckland). Halfback. —E. Fleteher (Auckland). Forwards.—J. Calder (West Coast), L. Hutt (Auckland), J. Laird (Auckland), R. Lawless (Auckland), C. Satherley _ (Auckland), H. Tetley (Auckland). 1 1 1 Hfc'V ■" >' r ' ri "■ VISITORS ENTERTAINED APPRECIATION OF HOSPITALITY Appreciation of the hospitality shown to the Australian League team during its visit to the Dominion was expressed by Mr. H. Sunderland, co-manager of the team, in replying to a welcome extended by Mr. 8. T. G. Symonds, managing director of Georgei Court and Sons, Limited, at a complimentary luncheon tendered the visiting side Rnd officials by directors of the firm in their private restaurant yesterday. Mr. Sunderland also made reference to the success of the tour to date, paying a compliment to the New Zealand officials responsible for the successful management of the tour.. Referring to the financial side of i;he tour, only in so far as the present good receipts indicated the strength of the code and its public following, Mr. Sunderland said:— "While the financial side is not of paramount importance, it is the barometer by which the success of the tour is judged." He and the players were ftreatly impressed by the fine sights in Auckland. Expressing the opinion that their displays were of general interest, Mr. Symonds, who was associated with Mr. G. F. Court in welcoming the visitors, complimented the Australians on th*ir performances to date, and said that the les?one they had taught would bu of great benefit to the code. He felt sure that the team could return to Australia confident in the knowledge that their job had been well done. The president of the New Zealand Rugby League, Mr. C. A. Snedden, thanked the directors of the firm for the courtesy extended to the'visitors. In referring to the performances of the Australian team he said that their methods and speed would be of great educational value in the moulding of future New Zealand teams. The play of thai Australians had created a profound imprest sion. By reason of_ the experience gained against th» Australians, the New Zealand, players would be better fitted to meet the. Englishmen when they toured the Dominion next year. Mr. G. Grey Campbell, who with Mr. I. Culpan represented the Auckland Rugby League, endorsed Mr. Sneddon's remarks, while the assistant-manager of the Australian team, Mr. W. J.. Chaseling, also spnk'j. . The Australian players showed their appreciation of the hospitality offered them by the singing of a chorus the words of which were altered so as to include Air. Symonds name, while at the request of Mr. Snedden; the visitors sang "Advance Australia Fair, j