“A RATTLING GOOD SIDE”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20493, 11 August 1936, Page 8

“A RATTLING GOOD SIDE”

AUSTRALIAN TEAM’S TOUR “EXTREME SPEED AND BRILLIANCE” Mr Harry Bosward, a member of the New South Wales Rugby Union, has toured New Zealand as manager of teams from Australia and his opinions regarding the combination which is to arrive in New Zealand in a week’s time will make interesting reading. He writes:— First let me say it’s a good team, well selected, well balanced and, with proper leadership, cabable, on tour, of becoming a very sound combination. A lot will depend upon Hayes as captain and how far he and his forward leader, the vice-captain, Ron Walden, develop the tactical plans necessary to exploit the strategic vantage points of the team on the one hand, and to counter the definite strength of the enemy—the All Blacks—on the other hand. Hayes has captained Queensland occasionally. Walden has had no experience in this regard, but both are quiet level-headed chaps who should command the respect of their team mates, and thus obtain excellent results, especially as the manager, Mr Gordon Shaw, will be there to ensure perfect harmony, a good team spirit and an optimistic outlook. Formulating Tactics There is no A. C. (“John”) Wallace, no “Tom” Lawton. no Mark Nicholls, no “Billy” Wallace in the party to formulate a highly-efficient tactical programme within the team’s capabilities, and then work it out in practice and on the field. Nevertheless, there are some seasoned players who, on the trip across, will offer suggestions which would be worth while and no doubt accepted for general purposes. Given reasonably able leadership then in this respect the Wallabies will become a rattling good side. They will certainly exploit back play and back division play of a brilliant character. From half to full-back there is a champion, or a potential champion, since there is not a weak performer in the 25 men chosen. There are one or two little defects in the play of some of the individuals which a wise coach could eliminate, but these will not prevent splendid team-work being effected unless the selection of the teams is unwise. Probable Test Team Let us consider what I would say was the test team, as follows, and my comment thereon:—Full-back, Storey; wings, McLean, Kelaher; centres, Hayes (inner), McLaughlin (outer); fiveeighths, Lewis; half-back, Gibbons; lock, Pauling; second row. Bridle, Hodgson (flanks), White, Kelly (centre); front row, Walden, Bonis (hooker), Cerutti. This would be a bright back division with extreme speed and brilliance in every position. The wingers are in the world class, especially McLean. who will charm everyone. McLaughlin is a genius at outer centre, with flashing speed and a magnificent swerve at accelerated pace. Hayes is the orthodox but efficient spearhead at inner centre, with Lewis a dasher from the five-eighths position. Gibbons is a good half, who is fast developing into a top-notcher. Storey, at full-back, will turn on something unusual for he penetrates frequently with his rare speed. The forwards should be a magnificent pack with speed and solidity equally blended. They should win the fight for possession in scrums and rucks, with a fair share in the lineouts against any opposition. Pauling, Hodgson, Bridle, Kelly and Cerutti are almost 10 seconds men over the hundred yards and can maintain this tremendous speed over a keen contest. Walden, White and Bonis will be always there to revel in th ethick stuff.