Sorting Out Process Begins For Representative Honours

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26479, 5 June 1947, Page 2

Sorting Out Process Begins For Representative Honours

The Metropolitan Rugby trial on Monday did not reveal a great deal of new talent, but it served the purpose of focussing attention upon several promising young players who will no doubt be given further consideration when the selectors choose the Metropolitan team for the match against the Combined Sub-unions. The game did not aid the selectors much in their quest for forwards of the vigorous type they are seeking for the Southland match, but it is hoped that the position may be improved when the Country team parades its strength at Carisbrook next month. ■ - ■ •

The trial indicated that of those who took part there are only a few who may be almost regarded as certainties for the Otago team. In this category may be placed Kevin O’Connor, still the No. 1 forward in the Dunedin competition, R. R. Elvidge, the outstanding back in the trial game, and equally at home at second five-eightr or centre three-quarter, and in Observer's opinion also W I. Perriam The Pirates captain was a success in • the full-back position, as was to be expected of a player of his all-round ability, and if the need for a fullback cannot be met from the regular players in this position Perriam would be an admirable-choice. It is possible however, that the selectors may even require him to play closer to the scrum against Southland, for the problem of inside backs has not yet been finally solved. When J. C. Kearney returns from the All Blacks’ tour of Australia, he will be the natural .choice as second five-eighths, but I. Colquhoun and R. F. Waldron have to_ prove themselves further before either can qualify for a place in the Otago team. Waldron did not play in the trial owing to injury, and for the same reason D. Murdoch was an absentee The last-named cannot be disregarded when the representative selection is being considered, and of the younger backs, S. Sutherland was the most impressive. If Sutherland would eradicate a tendency to run across field, he would be the equal of any of the inside backs in Dunedin at present. The wing three-quarters should not occasion the selectors much difficulty if both I. J. Botting and G. J- Moore are available for the representative games, and among those taking part in Monday's trial several players showed promise, notably M. McKercher, who played against Southland in the return game last year, E. McDonald, P. Inder. and A. Howley. the last two being at home in the centre position as well. McDonald mishandled a little, but the

Maori player's first try-was as workmanlike an effort as has been' seen at Carisbrook for some time. No half-back approaching the standard of J. Haig has yet appeared on the horizon. The best of those playing on Monday was L. W. Woodhouse, but he will have to improve considerably in his passing from the scrum to fill the position adequately. C. Willocks. who will be back from Australia in time for the Southland match, is sure to be one of the locks, and another country forward bound to merit consideration is J. McNab, who has Otago since 1944. If the selectors aim at a big front row they might conceivably try McNab and K. Skinner on the outside, with A. Foster in the centre position. Skinner played solidly in the lock position on Monday and, to a greater degree than most, put some sting into his play. Unless the country can offer something better, Foster appears to have the best chance of inclusion as the hooker. It is a matter for regret that I. Wilson, one of the most promising of the country forwards last year, is unable to play further owing to a knee injury. He would a candidate for the Otago team. By his play on Monday, A. Hellyer consolidated his claims for a place in the Otago pack as the loose man. He gave a constructive display, and his work in the tight was up to standard. Hellyer is a powerful forward, and his play is not lacking in vigour. P. Johnstone, the Taieri forward. - impressed as worthy of further consideration, and D. Smith,, a solid Southern player, also showed that he j knows something of the requirements of real forward, play. T. Wallace and L. Thompson were others whose form entitled them to further consideration, but one or two forwards of whom high hopes were held played well below expectations. Several others, notably L. Ajtken and P. B. Dignan, who are candidates for places in the Otago team, were unable to play on Monday.