RUGBY TEST PROSPECTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22515, 4 September 1936, Page 12

RUGBY TEST PROSPECTS

WELCOME TO AUSTRALIANS LOSSES THROUGH INJURY [by telegraph—athletic reporter] WELLINGTON, Thursday The Australian Rugby team was accorded a warm welcome at Parliament Buildings by the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, on its arrival at Wellington at mid-day. Mr. Savage said he welcomed the visitors to tho Dominion as a fellow Australian. Ho added that, although the Tasman divided the two countries, they were really one, and had everything in common. It had been said the national games of both were Rugby and two-up, and he knew they could play both games successfully and take tho wins with the losses. He trusted tho tourists would have an enjoyable stay in the Dominion, and that they would meet with better weather than they had experienced so far on tho tour.

Mr. J. A. Lee supported the Prime Minister's remarks.

Mr. W. H. Cerutti, acting-manager, and E. S. liayes, tho captain, replied. Mr. Cerutti created a diversion when ho said:—-"Wo make no excuses for our defeats, but if tho weather is kind to us it will be a 'semple' matter for us to win the test on Saturday, as we are going to 'nash' our teeth and become more 'savage.' " He concluded by requesting the Prime Minister to order a 40-liour fine wepk. Bright sunshine greeted the team on its arrival at Lambton station, but after half an hour or so in Parliament Buildings the visitors came out to find grey skies, followed almost immediately by min, which fell practically throughout tho afternoon. This interfered with practice at Athletic Park, and the Australians had to use tlio Poneke Club's gymnasium. ■ ; Tho latest to receive injury is Hodgson, the touring team's best forward, who twisted an ankle at Carterton. His ankle is much swollen, and it is doubtful if he will be available for the test. The others suffering injuries are receiving further medical treatment, and the team for the match may not be finally decided upon until Saturday morning. Tho visitors are hoping for a fine day to-morrow, so that outside training may fully try out the extent of various injuries. Tho manager, Mr. Gordon Shaw, arrived to-night from Napier, having almost fully recovered from the effects of a chill. Mr. Harold Judd, who is travelling with the side, was confined fco bed to-day with a slight attack of tonsilitis. Tho Now Zealand team assembled today and had a practice run in fine weather in the morning. _ Tho stand accommodation for tho match is fully booked out. Mr. J. Moffitt, of Wellington, has been chosen by tho Australians as referee for tho game.