THE ALL BLACKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27157, 12 August 1949, Page 8

THE ALL BLACKS

At Ellis Park . . .

The second Rugby test between New Zealand and South Africa, at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, to-morrow, is a vital occasion for the All Blacks. To have an even chance of regaining the “ rubber ” they will require to record a victory, and from the trend of South African comment that has reached New Zealand, the All Blacks should have a reasonable chance of doing so. It is a significant fact that in 16 games, the All Blacks' line has been crossed only five times, and provided the New Zealand forwards need the lessons of the first test and do not give away too many penalties, especially when within range of A. Geffln’s boot, then supporters on the New Zealand front have some grounds for hope that the present test score will be levelled to one win apiece. The Springbok selectors, probably wisely, have refused to be stampeded into making wholesale changes in the South African side because of its disappointing showing in the first test, and it is always on the cards that the Springboks will show the improvement expected after a game together, just as did the Otago Ranfurly Shield side, when it met Manawatu. There are only four changes. In their latest game against Northern Transvaal, regarded as the strongest provincial side in the Union, the All Blacks scored a close win with a team that appeared somewhat weaker than the test combination, and provided F. R. Allen and R. R. Elvidge are fit to play, and the forwards maintain their effective work in the scrummages and line outs, the All Black backs may be afforded more opportunities to show their true attacking ability. A full broadcast description of the game may be heard through 2YA, begining at 1.30 on Sunday morning. The teams are:— All Blacks Backs.—R. W. H. Scott 12.3, P. Henderson 12.6, R. R. Elvidge 13.6, W. A. Meates, F. R. Allen 12.5 (captain), J. C. Kearney 11.12, L. T. Savage 10.6. Forwards. —J. G. Simpson 15.3, E. H Catley 15.3, K. L. Skinner 14.10. L. A. Grant 14 8, L. R. Harvey 15.8, H. F. Frazer 15.11, J. R. McNab 14.10, P. A. Johnstone 13.11. South Africa Backs.—J. van der Schyff 13.13, F. Marais 13.4, van Schoor.M. T. Lategan 11.6, C. Moss 11.11. J. D. Brewis 11.1. P. A. du Toit 12.2.

Forwards. —A. Geffin 15.5, R. P. Jordaan 13.8, C Koch 14.12, L. J. Strydom 14.11, F. du Plessis 16.12 (captain), H. Koch 16.1, Durand 14.13, H. Muller 13.8.