THE SHIELD

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

THE SHIELD

At Carisbrook . . .

The Southland Rugby team will virtually begin its northern tour with the Ranfurly Shield challenge match against Otago at Carisbrook to-mor-row At stake, too, will be the Donald Stuart Memorial Shield, also held by Otago. Southland’s stocks slumped a little after its 9—6 defeat by Manawatu on a heavy ground at Rugby Park, and Otago, after its heartening display against Manawatu in the second Ranfurly Shield match of the season, will be favourites for to-morrow’s game. It is always well to remember, however that Southland has succeeded in the past only when its chances were regarded as a forlorn hope. After the recent spell of good weather, Carisbrook should be in excellent order, and the conditions are likely to be more conducive to attractive back play than they were for the first two shield engagements. The appearance of J. Graham at first fiveeighth for the holders should quicken up the attack, and if the Otago forwards can maintain the improvement displayed against Manawatu and gain a reasonable supply of the ball, the backs, should be capable of capitalising on their opportunities to a greater extent than was the case last Saturday. The Southland forwards, although not having some of the giants (in stature) of the past, are by no means midgets, and in the former All Black T. A. Budd. they have a strong and tireless pack leader. C. O. Ballam, who has replaced D. M. Brown as lock, scales 14.0, and there have been good reports of his play. Those who saw the Dark Blues in action agginst Manawatu last Saturday, however, are satisfied that it will take a very good set of forwards to overcome the home pack, and it is fairly obvious that forward supremacy will be necessary if the shield is to change possession. Southland Backs.—T. R. D. Webster 13.2, W. R. D. Inder 11.11 (captain), D. V. Smeaton 12.6 J. J. Prendiville 12.0, N. J. Bennett 10.6, J. G. Adam 11.12, J. T. McKenzie 10.2. Forwaids.—L. S. Connolly 15.11, A. L. Sutton 12.8, A. J. Crooks 13.4, C. E. Robinson 13.0, T. A. Budd 14.0, C. O Ballam 14.0, W. A. McCaw 13.1, J. R Stuck 14.7. Otago Backs.-R. W. Orr 11.4, R. H. Bell 12.8. C. J. McDonald 12.4, G. J. Moore 13.4 (captain), W. I. Perriam 12.7, J. Graham 10.8, L. S. Woodhouse 12.11. Forwards.—C M. Garden 13.10. C. Todd 12.8, H. Wilson 14.12, A. E. Hellyer 12.8, J. C. Pilling 13.10, W. McNab 14.2, W. A. Lunn 14.2, K. J. O’Connor 14.12.