RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 18

RUGBY FOOTBALL

AUCKLAND TEAMS STRONG SIDES SELECTED MATCH AGAINST WAIKATO Fast and attractive football should feature the match between the Auckland and Waikato fifteens at Hamilton this afternoon. With one exception, every member of the Auckland side has previously represented the province, and it should prove to be a sound, well-balanced and experienced combination. Waikato invariably fields a powerful vanguard—fast, heavy and virile. It will again be led by J. Leeson, who has been in the first flight of forwards for several seasons. The backs contain several promising players, notably A. J. Aitken at fullback, and should provide solid opposition. Mr. J. H. Muir, the Auckland selector, has delegated the halfback position to D. Solomon, the brilliant I'onsonby five-eighths, and 1935 All Black. Solomon has had previous experience in this position, having been behind the scrum in country football. He has shown outstanding form this season, and the experiment may result in his selection as the New Zealand scrumhalf against the Springboks. COMBINATION RETAINED BRILLIANT THREEQUARTERS The selector has retained last year's five-eighths combination Curtayne' and Cooney. These players combine well in club matches for the Marist team, and they proved their ability in firstclass football last season with a sound display against Wellington. Dick, Killeen and Byerley should form a brilliant threequarter line. Dick, whose speed, clever footwork and determination created such a favourable impression in the inter-island match, at Christcliureli last season, has given outstanding displays for Grafton in recent games. He appears likely to win national honours this year. Killeen, who will plav at, centre, is in fine form at five-eighths for Grafton at present. A clever, experienced and versatile back, he should give his fast wingmen every opportunity. Byerley, on the left flank, has shown excellent form for Technical in recent matches. G. Hook is one of the best fullbacks in Auckland, and will be a strong candidate for this position in the New Zealand team.

The Auckland pack should be one of the finest fielded by the province for a number of seasons. The only surprise selection is that of Fraser, Ponsonby, who will replace F. Solomon in the back of the scrum. Mr. Muir has found that Solomon packs down well with McLean, Butler and Anderson, and these four should comprise a powerful middle row, which will average almost 15 stone. Hadley, considered one of the leading hookers in the world, is unable to play, and his place will be taken by Bond, a good all-rounder, who will be supported by two excellent forwards in Pearce and A. Brown, in the front row. SECOND FIFTEEN CONTEST AT EDEN PARK The Auckland second fifteen to play South Auckland at Eden Park this afternoon contains several promising players who will be keen to win places in the provincial team to meet the Springboks. Pearman, at first fiveeighths, has improved considerably from last year, and is one of the best scoring backs in Auckland. Moyle is an experienced halfback, who played for Auckland last season. The forwards should be a solid combination with the inclusion of players of the calibre of Foreman, ex-()tago representative, Hull, a well-known Wellington forward, and Lange, the New Zealand University representative. Several players who would have been strong candidates for inclusion in these teams were not available for various reasons. Injuries will keep T. Lockington, who would have materially strengthened the first team's pack, R. J. Thomas, University, and K. Moses, Ponsonby, out of the game for several weeks, while E. Hedge, Otahuhu, will not take the field for some time owing to indisposition. C. S. Pepper, Manukau, and McGrory, Marist, two first-class forwards, are under suspension for two weeks.

CANTERBURY'S RECORD

INTERNATIONAL MATCHES

Undefeated by visiting British, Australian or South African representatives since 1882, a period of 55 years, is the proud record of Canterbury Rugby teams. During that time the province has achieved several famous victories over powerful combinations. The 1908 Anglo-Welsh team was beaten by 13 points to eight; the first Springbok representatives by 6 to 4, in a memorable contest in 1921; the brilliant 1930 British team by 14 points to 8; the Australian fifteen last season by 19 to 18. Canterbury did not play the first British team to visit New Zealand, in 1904, which defeated a combined Can-terbury-South Canterbury-West Coast fifteen by 5 points to 3. The Canterbury team which takes the field on August 21 against the Springboks will thus have a great record to maintain. Indications are that the team this year will be light, but fast and clever. The Canterbury Rugby Union is making every endeavour to facilitate the best possible selection, and has arranged a special trial representative match against Wellington, to be played this afternoon. The team as selected for to-day's match should bo almost identical with tlfat to meet the South Africans. Mortlock, the best back in the province this season, and who played in the 1935 trial matches, is standing down to allow Brookes, a five-eighths of the McGregor type, to be given a trial. Nolan, whom many considered unlucky to miss All Black selection in 1935, will be at fullback. The thrcequarter line, Eathorne, Pawson and Cobdcri, will bo very fast. J. J. McAuliffe, the New Zealand University halfback to tour Japan, is a sound player and a good captain. A fine pack of forwards will include J. Rankin, who made a brilliant debut as an All Black against the Australian side last year; O. Hattersley, who figured prominently in the 1935 trials, and solid, experienced players in Milliken, K. Brown and N. McPhail. On a dry and fast ground, Canterbury may again rise to the brilliant heights of its predecessors, and add yet another great international victory to its wonderful record.