ALL BLACK TRIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26842, 5 August 1948, Page 6

ALL BLACK TRIAL

INDIVIDUALS ENDEAVOUR TO PLEASE FORWARDS OUTSTANDING p.A. TXMARU, Aug. 4. The forwards dominated the All Black trial between the North Otago and Ashburton combined team and South Canterbury at Timaru to-day. It was a typical trial game with individuals endeavouring to please the New Zealand and the South Island selectors instead of making the match a team affair. Thanks to hard rucking forwards who showed speed in -the loose. South Canterbury won by II points to nil. There was little to choose between the -two packs until late in the game, when the home side asserted itself in good rushes. The former All Black forward, L. A. Grant, was outstanding, and .vas well aided by J. Bryce and N. Hobbs in the forwards. The South Canterbury backs seldom got going as a unit, but ?t was pleasing to see J. Coulter playing his first representative match like a seasoned half-back. M. P. Goddard had few opportunities, but his brother, J. Goddard, gave the best exhibition of full-back, play seen on the ground 'for some time. The Ashburton-North. Otago forwards produced some good men In J Small (Ashburton) and W. Butler (Ashburton). The backs failed to penetrate, but the North Otago half, I. Campbell, gave them great service. The selectors after the match said that a number of players would be given the opportunity Of proving themselves further at the second trial at Dunedin on August 14.