AFTER THE BATTLE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 170576, 5 August 1921, Page 5

AFTER THE BATTLE.

To the Editor of Timaru Herald.” Sir, —I was very much surprised to read the names of the rep. team in Monday’s paper. Last Saturday’s display was very poor against the combined team, and on top of the Oamaru match, should have given the selec-'-tors a bfain wave. The school children knew of the weight and speed of the Springboks, and our selectors should have cast around for hefty men to hustle them in the forwards. O’Leary was called on to represent

New Zealand in Australia last year; Direeu and Shea were nominated for the South Island team this year; and all can remember the game put up by Doyle, the hefty hooker, in the seven-a-side. What was wrong with those men? By overlooking these men and others for striplings who have yet to learn how to play a rugged game, the selectors have reduced our prestige to zero. Yesterday’s display was not a true test of what South Canterbury can do, and for old time’s sake the Rugby Union should reinstate the sole selector whose judicious work made our presence felt in the football of New Zealand. It would not then be a question of clubs, but the most suitable men.—l am, etc., OLD ’UN. P.S.—I have it on good authority that Shea was fit and willing to play yesterday.—O.U. August 4th.