Last-minute Reshuffle Of Otago Shield Team For Canterbury Match

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26853, 18 August 1948, Page 6

Last-minute Reshuffle Of Otago Shield Team For Canterbury Match

By the Sports Editor.

Although Otago is favourted to withstand Canterbury’s bid for the Ranfurly Shield in the match at Carisbrook this afternoon, last-minute changes and consequent reshuffles in the Otago team may have the effect of making the issue more open.

Owing to a family bereavement, K, L. Skinner is standing down from the Otago team, and his place in the front row will be taken by the outstanding side-row forward, J. R. McNab, who is no stranger to the position. In effect, this means that the shield holders will pack an entirely different front row from that which went down against Southland in the first shjeld flame. R. A. Dalton was not available or business reasons, and his place has been taken by the 15-stone Maniototo forward, H. Wilson, who is a player of impressive physique and much promise. A. H. Foster’s place as the hooker

Is being filled by N. Wilson, the Zingari-Richmond forward. Wilson is a good rake and is lively in the loose. , j. R. McNab’s place at the side of the scrum will be taken by A. E. Hellyer who has been a reserve for the Ranfurly Shield team for the past two seasons. In the club games he has given some first-class displays for Zingari-Richmond, his keen sense of anticipation and pace in the open being big assets. Doubts are still held whether C. W. Willocks will be able to play, and a decision as to his fitness will not be made until this morning. In the event of Willocks not playing, W. McNab, the 14.2 South Otago forward,

may be brought in to lock the scrum with L. R. Harvey. W. McNab was one of the best forwards in the final sub-unions’ trial, in which his form would have earned him a place in most provincial sides. The Otago pack is completed by K. J. O’Connor and D. H. Hamilton, both of whom gave fine displays ins the All Black trial match last Saturday. The -Otago backs are the same as those which met Southland in the two games recently, and given a reasonable supply of the ball and good ground conditions they have the understanding, combination and individual ability to produce the type of Rugby which has delighted spectators in Invercargill and Dunedin this season as well as being of the matchwinning variety. . p Canterbury’s Sbield Record

Canterbury, however, is never a team to be taken lightly. Its record in Ranfurly Shield matches is sufficient proof of this. Since winning the shield for the first time in 1928, Canterbury has recorded 23 wins, two more than Otago’s total, and on other occasions it has gone very close to success.

As one Christchurch writer puts it, “Canterbury teams in the past, venturing forth without fuss or proclamation, have been known to cause several quite considerable upsets.”

Early this season Canterbury was soundly beaten by Wellington in a high-scoring match, but after scoring a decisive win against the West Coast it nearly turned the tables on Wellington in a return game, and finished with a well-deserved draw.

The challengers have a strong and experienced pack, which created a fine impression by its play against Wellington under most unfavourable ground conditions. Otago supporters, however, will pin their faith on the team-work and intensive backing up that, has been developed by the holders' forwards and backs alike. If Canterbury can match these attributes, the challengers will deserve success. The teams are:— - CANTERBURY Full-back: D. Doake. Three-quarters: W. G. Argus, T. Richards, J. W. Kelly. Five-eighths: I. McNally, J. R. Roach Half-back: L. T. Savage. Front-row: A. R. Couling, I. Mitchell J. G. Bond. ; Middle-row: D. H. Herman, N. Dalzell, B. J. Chandler, R. C. Stuart. Back-row: A. D. McKenzie. Reserves.—Backs: M. Dixon, N Chandler. Forwards: L. Blanchard, C. L. Hardie. OTAGO* Full-back: G. J. Moore. Three-quarters: W. A. Meates, R. R. Elvidge, I. J. Botting. Five-eighths: J. C. Kearney, L. S. Haig. Half-back: L. S. Woodhouse. Front-row: J. R. McNab, N. Wilson, H. Wilson. Middle-row: A. E. Hellyer, L. R. Harvey, C. W. Willocks, D. H. Hamilton. Back-row: K. J. O’Connor. Reserves.—Backs: R. Orr, C. J. McDonald, B. Haig. Forwards: A. Foster, W. McNab.