THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23366, 7 June 1939, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

FIRST TRIAL GAME CONVINCING PERFORMANCES MAORI FIVE-EIGHTHS IMPRESS GOOD SERVICE FROM SCRUM The selectors of the New Zealand team, who witnessed the lirst trial game at Carlaw Park on Monday, must have every reason to be satisfied with the excellent form shown by the Maori anil Auckland representatives. So far as the went it was one of the most spectacular seen for some years, and the improved form of the backs was a feature. Splendid attacking movements by the backs of both sides and the swift cover defensive methods created a profound impression. The Maori live-eighths, Rata and Donaldson, were a little superior to the Auckland pair on attack. The Maoris live-eighths, however, received more chances than Banhani and Kay, mainly owing to the smartness of Mahimu at halfback. Donaldson made several clever openings and impressed with the apparently easy manner in which he moved past a delender. Rata is undoubtedly a high-class player, but has yet, to reach his best physical condition.

Both Kay and Banhani tackled strongly, and throughout the second spell did clever woik in placing Auckland in an attacking position. Banhani was caught in possession several times, mainly due to the inability of Sterling to get. the ball away smartly from the scrum. However, for the most part the North Shore halfback played a fine game. AN OUTSTANDING BACK T. CHASE'S DECEPTIVE RUNNING The outstanding back was T. Chase, whose form on the wing must have impressed the selectors. He evaded tackles cleverly and ran straight and determinedly once the goal line was in sight. His tackling was excellent. As Chase can play well at fullback and even better at five-eighths, lie must be considered one of the certainties.

the selectors' chief difficulty will probably lie in tlie choice of two first five-eighths. There is no outstanding player with the speed necessary to cut, out" one of the opposing backs. Kay is a likely candidate, but- one would prefer to see him at centre, where his swerving run would prove more valuable. lJanham is the soundest inside five-eighths, hut he has not yet revealed his best form. The former Australian should be fit. however, by the time tire next trial is staged, on July 1. when he may assist the selectors in their difficulty. Henii was in a brilliant mood at centre and weaved his way through the Auckland backs in great style. His speed off the mark and ability to accelerate. make Hemi a dangerous player, and lie must have strong claims for selection. His success in Australia last year, after he had been left out of the original selection, should not be forgotten by the selectors. Riley showed up well on occasions and lie too is a very deceptive runner. V. Scott, the well-known cricketer, received his chance through an injury to .T. Smith, and he made a good impression at fullback. His fielding was clean and certain, and little fault could be found with his defence. Scott is a good type of back, having plenty of size to commend him when the services of a utility player are being considered. Nepia was a little superior to Scott on the day. Nepia played a great game, showing his ability to rise to the occasion in big football. IMPROVED FORWARD PLAY HIGH. STAN DA HI) R FA'EA LED An exceptionally good standard ot forward play was witnessed and the material is available for a strong vanguard. The importance of big men for the front row should not be lost sight of. The claims of Ririnui, Mataira and Gault in these positions are strong ones. Ririnui is a greatly-improved forward and was outstanding on Monday. His weight is lost. 81b. ami ho uses every ounce of it. Mataira is a great worker, in the loose he is a fine handler, and has speed for a big man. Gault is a good, battling type of forward. There are plenty of second row men available. Against the Maoris Gunning stood out prominently. He too has speed and is a good handler and a type of forward likely to do well under English conditions. Brodrick seems a certainty for one of the second row forward positions. as lie played a fine game against Auckland. He should, however, refrain from hurdling a tackier—a practice which is most dangerous. Of the third row. or lock, forwards seen in action, Petersen. Auckland, was the best. He used bis pace to advantage and did a lot of sound tackling round the scrum. Hansen, .the Maori forward and Mount Albert captain, lias also strong claims for one of the lock forward positions. He is a great worker both in the loose and in the tight. After reviewing the first trial match and the form shown in club games, the following Auckland forwards should have claims for selection: — Front row. —Ririnui, Mataira. Leatherbarrow. Shadholt. McLeod, Gault, liroadhead. Second row. Brodrick. Gunning, ' Cameron. Milliken. Herring, j Third row. —Petersen, Mitchell, Hansen.