RUGBY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19196, 12 June 1924, Page 4

RUGBY.

UIMTISH TEAM FOE SOUTH AFRICA. WEAKNESS AT THREE-QUARTER. Strength at forward, and weakness at three-quarter, would appear to be characteristic of the English (earn for South Africa, as well as the All Black team for England. With the exception of H. Whitley, of the Newcastle Northern Club, the English players arc all internationals, and, apart from Holliday, Macpherson. Smallwood, and Roche, they represented their countries during the past season. There are 15 forwards, three half-backs, four three-quarters, and one full-back, and us the complete team will comprise 29 players, six banks remained to be filled when the Inst mails left. A GOOD PACK. It is quite obvious that for the Test matches at any rate, wo shall have a very good pack, says an English critic. Some of the men may not, be in the first blush of youth, but a judicious blend of experienced scruinmagers with the host of the young players should produce an eight quite capable of holding their own with the South African forwards. In Voyce, Blakiston, and Clinch, the team possesses three splendid wingers, but in the nature of things the first two of those must be nearing the end of their international careers, and much will depend upon how they will stand the hard ground in South Africa. Three of the forwards—Edwards, Macpherson, and Roche—are from the Newport team, and here again years may tell against them, especially if, as wo are led to believe, South Africa possesses speedy men in tho pack. It 'must always be remembered that forward play in South Africa presents a marked contrast to that prevailing in tlxe United Kingdom, for on tne bard grounds the ball is booled very quickly, and actual scrummaging does not count for so much as quick breaking and fast foI!owin"-up. In this connection it is a pity that Wakefield and perhaps Bannerman and Buchanan could not spare the time to make tho trip. Tho presence of Wakefield would have been wonderfully inspiring. DISAPPOINTMENTS. Undoubtedly there will be great disappointment that neither Locke nor Corbett could join the team and it looks a.s though wo shall be somewhat weak at centre threequarter. Admittedly the best centres playing last season, these two would have ensured great strength either in attack or defence. So far our three-quarters are Smallwood (now past his host in big football), I. S. Smith, of Oxford, Rowe Harding, and Holliday. The last-named, it will he remembered, played at- full-back for England last year, but. his regular-position in club and county matches is in the three-quarter line. At the moment one cannot feel too confident, about our three-quarters, and, failing Locke and Corbett, such men as Grade, Ilantilton-Wickes, and Jacob would have made a tremendous difference. Dry-Male, the full dick, may be relied upon not to let bis side down. He is not brilliant, but ho is essentially sound, and that, in a touring team, is a very great asset. Whoever may he chosen as second strings, (be team in Young and Waddell possesses two very fine halves. Whitley is highly thought of in the North of England, and, but for an accident, something would probably have been seen of him in the trial games. A broken rib, however, spoilt his chances of recognition. lie is a scrum half of considerable promise. Taking the team generally, one may say that at present our weakness i g at three-quarter. Of the men already chosen, England and Scotland supply nine each, Ireland four, while Rowe Harding is the solo representative of Wales. The players will sad on June 20, and return in October. Below is a list of those who have accepted invitations to take part in the tour:— England. T. E. Holliday (Aspatria). A. M, Smallwood (Jjeicester). A. T. Young (Cambridge University). H. Whitney (Northern). A. F. Blakiston (Blackheath). A. T. Boyce (Gloucester). R. Edwards (Newport). A. Robson (Northern). R. Cove-Smith (Old Merchant Taylors). Scotland. D. Drysdale (Horiolonians). I. 8. Smith (Oxford University). H. Waddell (Glasgow Academical?). N. Macpherson (Newport). R. G. Henderson (Northern). K. P. Hcndrie (Heriotonians). D. S. Davies (Hawick). It. A, Howie (Kirkcaldy). A. Ross (Kilmarnock). Ireland. Dr W. J. Roche (Newport). T. M. Stuart (Dublin University). .T. I>. Clinch (Dublin University): J. M‘ M’Vicker (Belfast Collegians). Wales. Rowe Harding (Swansea).