THE ALL-BLACKS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 116, 22 June 1914, Page 3

THE ALL-BLACKS.

I TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA.

j Subsequent to the inter-Island match i at Wellington on Saturday, the following 22 plavera were selected for the New Zealand team's tour of Australia, leaving Wellington for Sydney on July o —• Full-backs: J. Evan (Wellington), J. O'Brien (Auckland). Three-quarters: -T. Lynch (South Canterbury), E. Roberts (Taranaki), G. Loveridge (Taranaki).

Five-eighths: J. M'Kenzie (Auckland), L. Weston (Auckland), R. Black (Otago). Half-backs: H. M. Taylor (Canterbury), G. Green (Buller). Wing-forward:- 11. V. Murray (Canterbury).

Forwards: P. Williams (Otago) % M. Cain (Taranaki), Francis (Wellington), J. M'Neece (Southland), A. Bruce (Auckland), Irvine (Otago), A. Downing- (Auckland), A. Wilson (Wellington), J. Graham (Otago), T. Fisher Buller), Carroll (South Auckland). A WEAK BACK TEAM. Selectors of football teams often have to bear much more public criticism than they deserve. But this time the cqmmittee which has chosen the New Zealand Rugby team for Australia will have much'difficulty in framing a plea of extenuating circumstances. The committee certainly has not chosen the best men available, but the reason therefor is not likely to be understood by anyone outside the committee. The niost astonishing thing in the selection of the team is the omission of Cockroft, formerly of Otago, and now of South Canterbury. During the last two or three seasons Cockroft has shown himself to be a sound and improving player. In the .match betweeii the "B" teams of the two islands last Wednesday-he was easily the bestlback' on the field. As emergency for the "A" team, he took the place of Cuthill —who was unable to go to Wellington — in the "A" inter-Islaud match on Saturday, and the critics are unanimous in stating that again he was the best back on tho field. Brilliant in attack, sound in defence, strong, clever, resourceful, and speedy, Cockroft has played himself into the New Zealand team if ever a man did. Yet he is omitted! The omission is astounding, and it is not surprising that the members of the South Island team should I have made a demonstration in Wellington on Saturday evening when ' tliey' learnt of the inexplicable failure of the selectors. As a rule, selectors should not be called upon to give reasons for their choice, but in this case the players and the football-loving public of the Dominion are entitled to an explanation as to why the man who last week proved himself to be the best jjatfk'in New Zealand, on present form, has not been chosen for the tour. Cockroft-s displays last, week caiuiot be considered "flashes in the pan," for consistency is one of his Rugby virtues. OTHER WEAKNESSES. Altogether, the selectors have not given satisfaction. in their choice of backs. Although some Wellingtonians have been "barracking" for; the inclusion of Jim Ryan, the Petone man is decidedly lucky in passing the selectors. At times Ryaii plays brilliantly, but inconsistency is his failing, and he is not reliable enough, for a New Zealand full-back. .1. Cuthill (Otago) or L. B. Stohr (Taranaki) . should have been given preference to Ryan. O'Brien, the other full-back selected, is a sound, man .who is. reported to be playing very well this (reason. A peculiar about the choice, of the team is s that only three men >vho invariably play as three-quarters have been selected, and this makes the omission of Cockroft all the more incomprehensible. The three-quarters chosen are worthy of their place, but Cockroft should also have been chosen. Cockroft can also play five-eighths if required, and he woultl have been doubly useful for that reason. But the selectors have piekeif three five-eighths, and at least two of them are five-eighths pure and simple; neither of the two has shown any indication that he can play a thoroughly satisfactory game at centre three-quarter if he is called upon to fill that place. Promising player as lie is, L. Weston is not quite good enough for New Zealand honours yet. On present form, E. E. Crawshaw (Canterbury) is better entitled to selection. But the se- : lectors would have acted wisely if they : had picked two five-eighths and a man : who could play as five-eighths or as centre three-quarter, as required. ANOTHER CURIOUS DECISION. Another freakish selection is that of ! the two half-backs. On recent form, K. M. Taylor (Canterbury) deserves his place, although he played poor Rugby earlier in the season. But it is astonishing to find C. Green (now of Buller and formerly of Wellington) given pre- i fereuce to "Teddy" Roberts, Wellington's very clever half. Fine little half-back as he is, Green is not the equal of Roberts. •It is possible, of course, that Roberts did not show quite , his best form in the mud on Saturday, but taking him all-round lie should have been picked as the '' first string'' half r back of the New Zealand team.

, Of the forwards there Is not so much to be said. The selectors appear to be better judges of forwards tjiau they are of backs. As a Manawatu and, afterwards as an Auckland representative, Carroll.lias played splendidly as a wingforward. But he is a veteran of Rugby now, and it is more than doubtful whether he is as good in the pack as he has been as a wing-forward. Altogether, the team is not likely to give general satisfaction. It certainly will not be really representative of the Dominion until the mistakes in choosing the backs have been rectified.