THE FIRST GAME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27384, 9 May 1950, Page 8

THE FIRST GAME

Two Scrum Formations Probable PA NELSON, May 8. Discussing the scrum formation to be used by the British Isles team in its opening match of the tour, the captain, Dr K. D. Mullen, said that probably both the 3-2-3 and the 3-4-1 formations would be used. The team had practised both in training, and it was intended to use the one which best met the changing circumstances during play. , Owing to injury in the trial match, F. Hobson, the selected centre threequarter for the Combined team, has been replaced by I. Leggat (Nelson). On arrival at Kaitenteri during a day’s outing in the country, the visitors received the first Maori welcome by a large party, which entertained with traditional and modern choruses and hakas. Dr Karl Mullen (Ireland), Bleddyn Williams (Wales), Ivor Preece (England) and Peter Kininmonth (Scotland) were presented with souvenir badges with a weka centrepiece from the hands of W. Taylor, captain of the Combined team. The visitors staged an impromptu return entertainment, their light-hearted attempts at the poi dance technique being followed by a vigorous Scottish reel. They spontaneously joined in a Welsh chorus which revealed the presence of a number of excellent voices. , „ , At Tasman, in the heart of Nelson s fruitgrowing districts, a, -large “Welcome to Tasman ” sign was hung on the goal posts of the Rugby ground, the letters being composed of red and green apples threaded on wire. At the welcome, Mr P. D. Tait presented to the manager, Surgeon-captain Osborne, a scroll inscribed with the names of local fruitgrowers who had made themselves responsible to see that a case of locally-grown apples was delivered to each hotel accommodating the players during the whole of their New Zealand tour. He said that it was also hoped to forward a case to a relative or friend of every member of the touring side in Great Britain.