THE REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20481, 28 July 1936, Page 8

THE REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

BACK LINE NOT SUCCESSFUL It was particularly unfortunate that the weather conditions spoilt the representative match at Oamaru on Saturday, but even so it was obvio is that, when faced by stiffer opposition, the South Canterbury back line would not be successful as a combination. Wright was the weak link at second five-eighths. The greasy condition of the ball could be offered as a reason for his handling mistakes, but not for his poor positional play and general inability to take advantage of the openings created for him. Wright is essentially a half-back and he gives every promise of making good there. King’s vastly improved performance notwithstanding' the form shown by the Waimate player warrants trying him at the base of the scrum. When he went to half-back towards the end of the match on Saturday, he appeared to be quicker in his passing than King. To give Wright a trial at half-back cannot be claimed as further experimenting, because, if he fails, a return can easily be made to King and the well tried combination.

Saturday’s match did not solve the centre problem. Under the circumstances, Cartwright gave a good performance in an unusual position, but it must be remembered that he was facing an opponent not nearly so strong or experienced as those he will play against in later matches. CartWright would be of better service at second five-eighths, where he has always teamed well with G. Gaffaney. Undoubtedly the back line suggested in last week’s notes would function to greater purpose than the one fielded on Saturday.

From the Grandstand: Seen and heard at Oamaru on Saturday : George Adkins trying to beat the referee when he was yards offside. Tommy Gunn having a hugging contest with the ball. A South Canterbury supporter with a meat pie in one hand, and a bottle of indigestion mixture in the other. A whistle blowing competition. The referee won with a record of 90 blasts, one for every minute of the game. The two South Island members of the New Zealand selection committee wondering how much real first-class talent was in front of them. M. O’Connor exploding the contention that he would not go down to forward rushes. Cyril Cartwright trying to kick left foot without his other foot on terra firma. E. Ryan giving his opponents a demonstration of how to fend. A North Otago supporter trying to convince some visitors that Easton would break the heart of any team with his line kicking. “You let me down in Dunedin last year, Timaru; don’t do it again today”—And they didn’t. Howard Graham dragging 14 stone through the mud as though he was a Harold Logan. W. Robertson being generous-hearted by knocking the ball to his opponents in the line-outs. J. Strang putting more life into his play, signifying that he is rapidly returning to true form.

Not Balanced: The South Canterbury selectors have not yet found the best balanced scrum, judging by the performance of the representative team at Oamaru on Saturday. It was not until well on in the game that the forwards used their weight properly, and when they did so, Gunn achieved some success in hooking. The trouble appears to be in the front row, where the players are not properly balanced. Unless every man uses his weight the new system is doomed to failure. Passing by the Forwards: How seldom nowadays does one see forwards indulging in short passing. At the peak of their fame, the Hawke’s Bay forwards could handle as well as their backs, and a forward passing rush can be more devastating than a dribbling rush, where there is less command of the ball. This year’s Hawke’s Bay team is emulating its predecessors, and in a recent match with Wairarapa delighted a record crowd with their passing rushes. The South Canterbury forwards have plenty of pace, and they can also handle, so that if they were to indulge In a few passing movements they would be a force to be reckoned with. Mackenzie Sub-Union Players: As already mentioned, the Southern backs were weak. Dewar, nevertheless, played a serviceable game; he was quick with well-placed clearing kicks which usually got his side out of trouble. He lacks the necessary defensive ability for a first-grade back, however. Wells, who played half-back, was too slow for that position, and would have given better service In his usual position of hooker. Of the Fairlie forwards, Rex Crampton was the best on Saturday, and was noticeable for solid work both in the tight and the loose. G. Giddings, who was injured in the representative match against South Canterbury, expects to be able to resume playing this week.