THE SOUTH CANTERBURY FOOTBALL TEAM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 5

THE SOUTH CANTERBURY FOOTBALL TEAM

To the Editor or ” The Timaru Herald Sir.—ln reply to “Fair Play” concerning choice of full-back for South Canterbury representative team I beg to make the following comment. He states ; that Ford is the logical full-back. In the first place although this player is quite proficient in this playing position his performances so far this season have only served to class him as a good club player only. Secondly, a full-back ' with the physique of a Pollock is. not desirable in view of the Springboks reputed “ten to the ton” pack. My contention is that the logical man ■ for this position is T. Morrison with the following argument in his favour. He has the physique and corresponding weight. He has the speed necessary to link up passing movements with his backs, and above all a lengthy line kick and safe handling. Another thing and perhaps the most important is his penchant for dashing across from his own wing in order to relieve his opposing number, surely a full-back's job. It is a pity that there is a possibility of Ryan being dropped as this player has all the attributes of a desirable winger although on occasions he has shown a definite lapse of form. However in the Star-Old Boys clash he re-established himself in the eyes of the fans with a characteristic 60 yards dash fending off four players including Ford to score a

great try. Many forget that Ryan weighs somewhere in the vicinity of 14st. 61b. and is an exceptionally hard man to bring down. In conclusion I would like to make mention of Hopkinson. In common with many more who hold the same view, Hopkinson is the classiest winger in South Canterbury at present, and it is a pity that he did not get a chance to demonstrate his ability in the All Black trials. Thanking you in anticipation of your publishing of this letter. —I am. etc.. KEEN FAN. Timaru, July 14.