FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18629, 26 July 1930, Page 19

FOOTBALL.

PROSPECTS FOR TEST. NF-W ZEALAND FORWARD DIVISION. AUCKLAND WANTS WHOIjE PACK. (Special to the “Herald.”) AUCKLAND, July 25. Following the convincing defeat of practically a Test British side at the hands of Auckland last Saturday, many critics are disposed to prophesy a like fate for the Test team at the hands of the All Blacks to-morrow. However, between any team’s worst and best is a vast difference. One thing is certain—that is that the British players will be out to redeem their poor display of the previous week; and also that to-morrow will see a much fresher and more alert side.

Indications are not wanting that the Third Test will be keenly and evenly contested. The selection of the New Zealand Test team has caused neither surprise nor general satisfaction. After eighteen men had been selected to assemble at Auckland, the disconcerting discovery ■was made that both Finlayson and Stewart were not in a fit condition to take the field. Not only did these men preserve the scrum balance, but they were regarded as New Zealand’s premier line-out men, a very important feature of the All Blacks’ play. It is doubtful, had this information been available earlier, if the same remaining forwards would have been selected, as neither Batty nor McLean can entirely take the place of the two casualties in this respect. By critics who have seen every match of the tour, it is stated that the Auckland hookers gave the best exhibition seen on the tour. Even when L. Knight left the field last week ,and Batty was taken from the scrum to preserve its balance, the Auckland hookers, with a scrum of only five men, continued to control the ball. It is obvious that if I Hore or Cottrell resided in Auckland they could not displace the Auckland hookers, Hadley and Palmer, from the representative team. Neither could Steere displace A. Knight, the most powerful locking forward in the Dominion, nor Hazlett get preference to L. Knight. The latter is a wellbuilt forward, standing six foot three inches and weighing 16.12. He is considered the best all-round forward the province, McWilliams included. After the experience of last Saturday, the British forwards no dou.. c will be relieved to find that the Auckland hookers and Knight brothers are not considered good enough for the New Zealand team. It is estimated that the New Zealand pack will average nearly a stone lighter than the British, whose pack of eight, including Ivor Jones, whose weight is not always applied, will have an advantage of approximately 20 stone.

Offsetting the lightness of the All Black pack to some extent is the assurance that the forwards are nonest workers. Every pound will be needed, as Auckland, which undoubtedly possesses superior packing forwards, only demonstrated superiority after a continual bombardment of smashing attacks and fierce tackling had completely disconcerted and upset the British vanguard.

More satisfaction is expressed with the back division, it being: considered that Strang’s inclusion at first fiveeighths, with Nicholls at second and Cooke at centre, will make for good easy working combination. Although Lucas is not as fast as Olliver, it is thought he is a safer man for the wing position. A lesson to be learned from the Auckland game is the necessity of insides to stand well up on the British backs when attacking, either to break up their movements or to force them to run across the paddock. This was a contributing factor to the British defeat last Saturday, and will no doubt be employed by Strang and Nicholls to-morrow. Heavy overnight showers have been experienced during the week, and Eden Park ground will not need a great deal more rain for it to become greasy and cut up.

The indications at present are for fine weather, and it is hoped this will continue.

Already the town is well filled with country visitors, and many more are expected to-morrow morning by special trains from all parts of the Island. A record crowd for Eden Park is expected.

Although New Zealand stocks were adversely affected by the withdrawal of Stewart and Finlayson, the odds still appear slightly in favour of New Zealand. Strangely enough, New Zealand hopes for once centre on the backs, who are expected to play with greater thrust and combination than hitherto, but to do this they will need the best the forwards can give.

Even if New Zealand wins tomorrow, it is very apparent that it is not by the best forwards available.

SOUTH CANTERBURY v. NORTH OTAGO. The South Canterbury senior and junior representatives will visit Oamaru to-day, where they will meet the North Otago seniors and juniors. A. Lawson, who was selected to replace L. Mahan, is unable to travel, and M. Palmer (Old Boys) will now make the trip. In the South Canterbury junior team W. Robertson is not available. Halstead will now play at centre. A. McCuish going into the side as wing.