FOR THE FINAL TEST

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11007, 16 September 1921, Page 4

FOR THE FINAL TEST

TRAINING OF TEAMS ENDS MEN FIT AND EAGER FOR TOMORROW’S CONTEST.

THE PROBABLE PLAYERS.

The score of New Zealand’s best footballers from whom will be chosen tlie team to represent the Dominion against the chosen of South Africa in the third and final test match, to be decided at Athletic Park to-morrow, completed their training at Day’s Bay yesterday. - USEFUL WORK. On Wednesday morning the forwards were given exercise and instruction in scrum formation and dribbling tactics by Air A. McDonald, while the backs indulged in passing and kicking. The manner in which the men revelled in the work allotted to them showed that they were as fit as it is possible to make them, and there can be no question that they will give of their best to-morrow; if beaten, it will not be through lack of condition. A walk to Lowry Bay and back fallowed, and as the Mayor of Wellington (Mr R. A. Wright) was expected at the bay to welcome the men, no further training was carried out. The Mayor, however, did not put in an appearance, but a visit was paid by Councillor Len. McKenzie, who took off his coat and entered the ranks of the trainees. “Billy” Wallace, ex-All Black, also journeyed across the harbour, saw the condition of the men, the class of work they were doing, and expressed himself delighted with their fitness. EVERY MAN FIT. “The public who go to witness the game at Athletic Park on Saturday afternoon can nest assured that every member of the New Zealand team, when he goes on the field, will be absolutely fit,” said Mr “Dorrie” Leslie to a “Times” reporter yesterday. “Serious training concluded to-day, and only light work will be undertaken on Friday—that is, throwing the ball about. The men, however, will not put on football attire. Massage treatment will be continued. Every member of the team will be sound, and the side should give a good account of themselves. The hard ground at Athletio Park was responsible for some of the men receiving bruises and abrasions to the skin, but their healthy condition, and the salves that have been used, have worked wonders in healing the contusions.”

CHOOSING THE TEAM

PLAYERS’ MEDICAL EXAMINATION TO-DAY.

Mr A. J. Griffiths, one of the selectors for the All Blacks, intimated to a “Times” representative at Day’s Bay at a late hour last night that the All Black team to meet the Springboks in the third test to-morrow has net y«t been selected. “I hope you will announcetthat”t t ” added Air Griffiths. “The doctor will he over to-morrow to examine the men, and the selectors will proceed to the work of finally choosing fine team when his report will he before us.” Asked whether the All Blacks’ team would' be offioiallv announced to the public immediately, Air Griffiths said he saw no reason why it should not be made available as soon as it was selected. The training of the All Blacks is now complete, and it- is possible to forecast those likely to ho selected. For the position of full-back Kingston, the Taranaki “rep.,” seems certain, of selection. . Por the three-quarters, it is thought that Steele, Mark Nicholls and Siddells, who have been, regularly practised in those positions by the selectors, will be the final choioe. This will leave out Algar (Wellington), whose ankle may not possibly hold through a heavy fame, Markham (Wellington), and ord (Canterbury). For the position of first five-eight, Fea (Otago) is regarded as certain, while the majority of the selectors may be expected to favour Ifwerson (Auckland) for the second position. The public’s choice of Roberts (Wellington) as half is pretty certain to be endorsed by the selectors. As to tlie forwards, support has moved from Donald (Wairaxapa) to Beilis (Wanganui), who is expected to don the black jersey in that position. For the remaining positions, there are oigllt available from which to choose seven. It is considered likely that the choice of the selectors may exclude Turnbull (Otago). In accordance with, their usual custom, the South Africans will not announce their team until the day of the match, owing to their choice being affected by the weather. Given a continuance of the weather that has prevailed to last night, their most likely team will be as specified below:— ALL BLACKS FULL-BACK. Kingston (Taranaki). THREE-QUARTERS. Steele (West Coast), AI Nicholls (Wellington), Siddells (Wellington). FIVE-EIGHTHS. Fea (Otago), Ifwerson (Auckland). HALF. Roberts (Wellington). FORWARDS. Wing forward: Beilis (Wanganui). Hookers: Fogarty (Taranaki), Duncan (Otago). Lock: Aloffitt (Wellington). Sides: Richardson (Otago), McLean (Bay of Plenty). Back row: West (Taranaki), Fletcher (Auckland). SPRINGBOKS FULL-BACK. G. F. Morkol. THREE-QUARTERS. Zeller, Strauss, Aleyer, van. Heerdea HALVES. Michau, De Keck. FORWARDS.

"Boy” Alorkel, Walker, Ellis, van Rooyen, Mostert, Du Plessis, Roval Alorkel, Alellish. Referee :Mr A. C. Neilson.