THE TEST

Southland Times, Issue 20526, 30 June 1928, Page 7

THE TEST

Rugby Giants

ALL BLACK TEAM SELECTED AFRICA SUBLIMELY CONFIDENT NEW ZEALANDERS EXPECT TO WIN (Special to Press Association.) Durban, June 28. The whole of South Africa is emphatic that the Springboks will win the first test. The New Zealand team is more confident than ever and the general opinion of the - New Zealanders travelling is: “We can’t lose and if we get 35 per cent, advantage in the scrums the backs should carry the day in all the big Rugby matches.” It is sure to be a great forward battle with an occasional run amongst the backs and your correspondent’s opinion is that New Zealand will win. The New Zealand team will be as follows : FULL-BACK. D. Lindsay (Otago, 13.6) THREE-QUARTERS. B. A. Grenside (Hawkes Bay, 13.4) S. R. Carleton (Canterbury, 11.4) A. C. Robilliard (Canterbury, 12.2; FIVE-EIGHTHS. A. Strang (South Canterbury, 11.4) L. Johnson (Wellington, 12.3) HALF-BACK. W. C. Dailey (Canterbury, 11.2) FORWARDS. G. Scrimshaw (Canterbury, 12.6) J. P. Swain (Hawkes Bay 13.7) S. Hadley (Auckland, 13.0). G. T. Alley (Canterbury, 16.0) M. Brownlie (Hawkes Bay, 14.7) I. Finlayson (North Auckland, 15.7) R. Stewart (South Canterbury, 15.8) W. Hazlett (Southland, 14.10) THE BEST TEAM STRONG BACK AND FORWARD. (By “Onlooker.”) The announcement of the final selection of the All Blacks’ team to meet South Africa in the first test to-day should meet with the approval of all Rugby enthusiasts. It is strong both back and forward and there appears to be no doubt whatever that it is the best team New Zealand could put in the field. Many local fans would liked to have seen Frank Kilby behind the pack, but they need not fear that he will not get a chance in later tests. Although the reports to hand have been most glowing concerning Kilby’s efforts in the games in which he has participated, the selectors of to-day’s team have evidently considered experience first and this is where Dailey’s fine record would stand to him. The choice of Lindsay as fullback appeared to be a foregone conclusion. Essentially a three-quarter, Lindsay has proved himself to be a better full-back than Lilburne, hence his inclusion over the recognized “last line.” The three-quarter line did not cause any surprise, but had Lucas been fit it is doubtful if Carleton would have been asked to take up the centre position. Carleton’s tackling has been a “weight-carrier” for him. A lot will depend upon the ability of Johnson and Strang to set the three-quarter line going, but everyone will agree that their selection as five-eighths is a wise one. Here we have solidity and brilliance combined, and if the All Blacks cannot toe the mark today, I do not think the blame will be attachable to either of this* pair. Dailey at half knows his job from A to Z. His experience in international fixtures should be of assistance to Strang and Johnson. The pivot in an All Black side can make or break his team’s combination, but Dailey’s habit is the “making” one. The forwards comprise an eight fit to represent the world. The only suggestion of bettering it would be to play Ron Stewart at wing-forward and include McWilliams in the pack. Scrimshaw’s good spoiling work and general fitness could not altogether be passed over, however, and perhaps that is what decided the selectors to play him. The New Zealand scrum is heavy enough to get plenty of ball and in lineout play they should make the opposition play very hard to keep them out. It is a great side and will take a power of beating.