NEW BLOOD TO BE PROVED TO-DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12116, 18 April 1925, Page 9

NEW BLOOD TO BE PROVED TO-DAY

TEAMS IN THE MAKING

Indications are that the present Rugby season will provide some keen contests. The club lists available show that much new bisod has been infused in some of the senior fifteens, and though the worth of many of the players is yet to be proved, they are from hard-playing districts, and a good number should acquit themselves honourably. The old rivals, Petone and Poneke, .alone stand almcst untouched by the hand of time. Each will put a round dozen of last season/s team into the field should it so desire, and each has had a negligible reinforoement to the senior ranks from outside. The teams which have gained most would appear to be ’Varsity, Wellington, and Hutt, all of whom have new names to conjure with. Athletic and Old Boys are about the same, while, as far as can be judged, Berhampore, Marist, and Selwyn. are slightly weaker. OrienUU will field a young team from the many juniors available, and should do well, On paper it would seem that the eternal rivalry of Petone and Poneke for tqp position is to continue. But to-day will show what some of the other clubs are worth, and it would not be surprising (paper strength being often field weakness) if Wellington, ’Varsity, or Athletic, for instance, prove to be the leaders in the early stages.