COUNTRY RUGBY PLAYERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26485, 12 June 1947, Page 2

COUNTRY RUGBY PLAYERS

REPRESENTATIVE PROSPECTS Although sub-union players still have limited opportunities of impressing the selectors of the Otago representative Rugby team, some progress has been made in the last season or two, writes a South Otago correspondent. The need for fast and heavy forwards has become evident, and in South Otago this season there are several who should merit serious consideration. J. McNab, together with his brothers, T. and W. McNab, has been the mainstay of the Owaka pack, and all three are possibilities for the sub-unions team. W. Hay, a former Otago representative, made a welcome reappearance for Clutha on Saturday, and played an excellent game. One of the most unlucky forwards for several seasons past has been F. Williams, of Clinton, also an ex-Otago representative, who has shown consisttently good form, while. J. Ritchie is another young and vigorous type of forward who should find a place in the South Otago team, the correspondent adds. E. Muir, who was promoted to senior status at Balclutha last season, also gained selection in the South Otago team. Only 19 years old, Muir is over 6 feet in height and tips the scales at close on 14st. He is one of the best breakaway forwards in the competition, and must attract the selectors’ attention this season. There are few outstanding backs in South Otago, an exception being R. Murray, who last season was not available for the touring Sub-unions team, but who appears to be a certainty this year. SPECTACULAR MOVEMENT

A spectacular try was scored by Zingari-Richmond against Union on Saturday. Play was near Zingari’s 25-yard line in the second half when E. McDonald a kick in his stride and drew a man to transfer to A. E. Hellyer after making a strong run. Hellyer gathered at speed, made across the field towards the line, and when blocked, swung in towards A. Watson, who had come over in anticipation of the pass. Watson sent a nice pass to McDonald, who had sized up the situation well and was in support towards the wing, scoring beneath the posts after a neat demonstration of scissor passing.