FOOTBALL TOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22480, 25 July 1936, Page 16

FOOTBALL TOUR

TO-DAY'S LEAGUE MATCH ENGLAND V. AUCKLAND GREAT GAME ANTICIPATED VISITORS ARRIVE THIS MORNING The seventh English Rugby League team to visit the Dominion will open its Now Zealand tour with a match against Auckland at Carlaw Park this afternoon and tremendous interest is being centred in the game. If Conditions remain fine a great match is anticipated. By its successes in Australia, where it won two of the tlireo test matches, England has proved ail exceptionally strong combination and is said to bo equally as strong as any previous touring sides. The tourists, who will arrive by tho Monterey this morning, will bo nt a disadvantage after tho sea voyage. It is anticipated that they will field practically their test combination against Auckland and the home .side will therefore have great opposition. In matches during tho Australian tour, England has proved equally at homo in lino or wet conditions.

England has a powerful, heavy and fast set of forwards who give tho backs great support and plenty of opportunities. The hooker met with such outstanding success in Australia that it seems unlikely that Auckland will gain possession from many scrums. The visiting pack will have tho advantage in weight. Among the set is Hodgson, who is well known in New Zealand and an experienced test player. Ho is also a line goal kicker. Arkwright and Beverley are both over 6ft in Height and weigh over 14 stone. Interest in Brough

Much interest will dent re in tho play of Brough, captain, who is likely to load tho team to-day. Ho represented England against the 1924 All Blacks and is said to ho a lino all-round fullhack. The halves, Jenkins and Watkins, are brilliant players and tho best pair .who have played together for many years. The thrcequarter line is exceptionally fast and will prove troublcsomo if tho opportunities arise. The Auckland team has not been fully tested this season and tho side against England will bo playing together for tho first timo. Tho backs, providing they can gain a reasonable share of tho ball, should make a good showing on attack. Dempscv, tho fullback, has played good club football for several seasons, while tho thrcequarter line — Bright, Tittleton and Brown —is fast and experienced. Both tho five-eighths are young and promising players. Kay has previously represented New Zealand and is brilliant on attack; at times while Stock ley has played well during the season. The only doubt regarding tho five-eighths is their ability to withstand a hard afternoon on defence. Tho halfback, Powell, is a sound defensive player. Auckland Forwards

Auckland's forwards are solid and most of them good in the tight play while a few are clever in tho loose. It will be interesting to see how they fare against their more experienced and heavier opponents. Some of the visiting players Mill remember Watene, who played on the wing for New Zealand against the 1932 English team. After filling almost every position in tho backs, lie has shown to advantage as a forward this season. He is a good plac'e kick. Breed, Gault and Satherley are promising forwards while Pickrang has played some outstanding games in club football. Tetlev is an experienced and clever player wiio started his career as a five-eighths. Of the six matches played between England and Auckland tho, latter has been successful on one occasion. In 1920 Auckland heat Wagstaff's side by 24 points to 16. Other games have resulted as follows: 1910: England 52, Auckland 9: 1914, England 34, Auckland 12; 1924, England 24. Auckland 11; 1925, England 26, Auckland 15; 1932, England 19, Auckland 14. Personnel of the Teams Several Curtain-raisers will bo played to the principal match. Schoolboys' games will be decided from 10 o'clock. The curtain-raiser to tho match between Auckland and England will be between the City and Richmond fourth grade teams. ' The probable English team and the Auckland' thirteen for to-day's match are as follows: — ENGLAND Fullback.—J. Brough. Three-quarters.—A. Edwards, A. J. Risman, W. Belshaw, B. Hudson. Halves.—E. Jenkins, W. Watkins. Forwards.—N. Silcock, T. Armitt, H. Woods, M. Hodgson, J. Arkwright, H. Beverley. AUCKLAND Fullback.—C. Dcmpsey. Three-quarters.—R. Bright, W. Tittleton. L. Brown. Five-eighths.—W. Stocklev, A. Kay. Halfback.—R. Powell. Forwards. —A. Gault, J. Satherley, J. Breed, S. Watene, F. Piekrang, H. Tot ley. Mr. M. Wetherill will be referee. A civic reception will be tendered to the English team by tho Mayor. Mr. Ernest Davis, at tho Town Hall on Monday at noon.