RUGBY TEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22516, 5 September 1936, Page 15

RUGBY TEST

TO-DAY'S BIG MATCH AUSTRALIA V. NEW ZEALAND CONTEST AT WELLINGTON HEAVY CONDITIONS LIKELY [BY TELEGRAPH ATHLETIC REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Friday Although the record of the Australian Rugby team on its Dominion tour to date has not been particularly impressive, the iirst test match against New Zealand, to be played at Athletic Park to-morrow, is creating tremendous interest. Hotel accommodation is more than fully booked, licensees in many cases arranging for shake-downs. Special trains are arriving from Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki and other centres. The weather to-day has been fine, after heavy rain and hail during last night, but a bitterly cold wind is still blowing. The sky to-night is cloudy and opinions differ as to whether more rain will fall to-morrow. The forecast is not all favourable. General opinion favours New Zealand. It is recognised, however, that, with a fine dsiv to-morrow, the chance 3 of the touring side will be greatly increased. The visitors will be seriously handicapped by the absence of Storey, their brilliant fullback. His thigh muscle injury has not responded to treatment, and it is a pity he went to Carterton, where he was unable to receive the right attention. New Zealand's Chances Favoured Although Hodgson's ankle ,is still swollen, he is hopeful of being able to take the field. His defection would mean a tremendous lot to the side, of which he is the best" forward. An X-ray examination revealed that White fractured his toe at Carterton, but he intends to take the field. Hayes and Cerutti, of course, are still unfit, while several others are suffering more or less from chills. However, all are determined to do their very best. The absence of Storey and Hayes has made it necessary to rearrange the side, and Pauling, who played in tb.e forwards at Auckland and Carterton, will fill the centre threequarter position to-morrow. He played there previously for New South Wale 3, but throughout the present season he has been in the pack, FJist Threequarters .Rankin played a« sound game at fullback in Napier, although lie is rather too slow for this position, and he may be in difficulties if the fast All Black threequarters get a feast of the ball. It is also doubtful whether Richards will be fast enough to fit into the speedy threequarter line. Wellington critics are confident of a New Zealand victory and they have every reason to be, considering the Australians' record. They place their confidence in the ability of the home forwards more or less to control the game. If such superiority reveals itself, New Zealand should score a comfortable win, more especially on a wet ground. On the other hand, with a dry ground and ball, the Australians' unorthodox methods are likely to yield them tries at any time. The teams are-tis follows: AUSTRALIA Fullback.—Rankin. Threequarters. Kelaher, Pauling, Richards. Five-eighths.—McLean, Lewis. Halfback.—Gibbons. Forwards.—Walden, Bonis, Malone, Bridle,, Hutchinson, White, Hodgson, Kelly. NEW ZEALAND Fullback.—Pollock. Threequarters.—Hart, Caughey, Watt. Five-eighths.—Killeen, Griffiths,. Halfback.—Sadler. Forwards. —Jackson, Hadlev, Dalton, Wells, King, Reid, McKenzie, - Rankin. Mr. G. Shaw, the Australians' manager, was- accorded a great welcome back bv his team upon his arrival late last evening. He said that he was very grateful to Dr. Fitzgerald and Sister White, of Napier, for the attention bestowed upon him, as it had enabled him to ward off an attack of pneumonia. Dr. Fitzgerald had motored him to Wellington in order that unnecessary risks would not be taken. He also desired to express thanks to Cerutti for the very capable manner in which he had looked after the team during his; absence. Mr. Shaw and members of the team have received a great deal of sympathy from Rugby supporters here on account of the ill-luck which has attended them regarding the weather and injuries since their arrival. There is no doubt that the party has been most unfortunate. Apart from the manager's illness, the loss of the team's captain has been a severe one, as the leadership has fallen upon Walden, the front-row forward.