FORWARDS STRONG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 11

FORWARDS STRONG

FAST COMBINATION HERRING PROLIFIC SCORER OMISSION OF J. HEMI The strength of the touring team is undoubtedly in the forwards and the pack will be fast in the loose. Possession of the: ball will play a large part in the result of matches in Australia and the inclusion of G. Orman ns one of the hookers should give tho team strength in this department. Orman was one of the outstanding forwards in last year's All Black Rugby trial games. Satherley, the other hooker, will lack nothing in experience, and is also a good forward in the loose. The inclusion of Herring, McLeod, Cootcs and McNeight presents a formidable front row to choose from. Herring, who is 23 years of age, has proved one of the most prolific scorers in the game, and is expected to create a good impression in Sydney. McLeod is a forward of wide experience in any position in the scrum. He played as a hooker for the Maori team against Australia last season. J. Brodrick well deserves his place in the team. Anderson is an opportunist, his speed and good handling being features of his play. Veteran of the Side

Tetley is the other back-row forward capablo of playing fine football. W. Glynn is tho veteran of the team and a "good forward in scrum work. He has represented the South Island on six occasions. Gault is a good all-round forward, particularly in the second row, where his speed is useful. McNeight is a former South Island forward, who was the outstanding player in the earty trial game on Saturday. Cootes is not yet fit, but is one of tho hardest forwards in the game. The omission of J. Hemi and T. Chase mav surprise many enthusiasts, as both are splendid utility players. Hemi was not seen to advantage on Saturday, but his brilliant play at fiveeighths in club games has apparently been overlooked. Chase is a good plajer in any position, and is perhaps a more solid wing than either Midgley or McNeil. Both the wings chosen, Midgley and McNeil, however, are speedy players who should do well. Brilliancy of Smith

The inclusion of J. Smith as one of the fullbacks is fully justified, as hjs form has reached brilliant heights this season. He is a very fine place ■ Smith is a nephew of the famous 1905 All Black, George Smith. From games seen in Auckland Ncpia has not yet struck form and he appears to ha\e passed his best. A repetition, however, ot his form against the Australians last season would be welcomed in Sydney. His wide experience is an asset to the team Brown is a former Canterbury Rugby representative and recently returned from England after two years with the Barrow club. He has a lot of speed and is a very good tackier. R. Chase and. Kay are both clever players on attack and likely to make good m Sydncy. The touring team will find the Australian inside backs very strong in Tittleton and Walter Brimble New Zealand lias a worthy pair. If Brimble can stand up to the football on a hard ground, he should do well. 1 his a ' so applies to Wilfred Brimble, the halfback. whose brilliant play round the fieriim lias been A feature in club football. Grotte undoubtedly played his way 'into the side by a good game in the trial. He has had previous Sydney experience with the St. George Club.