A GOOD PACK

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20784, 20 July 1937, Page 12

A GOOD PACK

LOOSE FORWARD DROPPED FIVE-EIGHTHS REVIEWED The team chosen by the selectors to represent South Canterbury against North Otago at Oamaru on Saturday should give general satisfaction in most respects, although there is room for improvement in the inside backs. The pack is identical with that forecast after the match at Fairlie a week ago by “Wing Forward” and is unquestionably the best available in the province. It is apparent from the selection of A. Carlton (Mackenzie) that the loose forward has been dropped, an extremely wise move in view of the approaching encounter with the Springboks. With a triangular wedge comprising Adkins-Gunn-Hansen, Thom-son-Dennison and Carlton, with Strang and Bryce on the sides, the pack will not lack weight, which will be of para- ' mount importance in the match against the South Africans. It is considered in some quarters that a fast, roving

forward would improve the pack, but Strang is a good breakaway when occasion demands and has the added advantage of being able to supply his quota of avoirdupois when it is required. The mast prominent loose forward in South Canterbury is Vucetich, but the selectors have acted wisely in replacing him with Carlton, a fast and dashing forward with plenty of weight. Why Drop B. Morrison?

Why the selectors have dropped Bruce Morrison at this stage is hard to understand. Morrison has blossomed out this season as a first-class first five-eighth and in both Sub-Union matches gave sound exhibitions. As stated elsewhere on this page, he is a straight running type of back with a safe pair of hands and a good kick. He was streets ahea<. of Cartwright on Saturday, but the selectors persist with the latter. It is understood that an experiment is to be tried at Oamaru, Cartwright being played at first five-eighth. Why? If South Canterbury did not possess a man for the position the experiment might be justified, but the necessity does not arise.

Lundy is to play first five-eighth at Oamaru if Cartwright is not a success and, while Lundy can be effective in either position, “Wing-Forward” considers the best combination would be Morrison and Lundy. Lundy is a heady player and would be able to make use of his brains to better advantage at second five-eighths. In addition, Saxton and Morrison combine well together as was shown at Waimate, club football having given them a good understanding of each other’s play. It may yet be found that the inside combination for the Springbok match will be Saxton-Morrison-Lundy. Good Scoring Wings Tom Morrison seems to have played himself into top form in Wellington in the All Black trials, and he and Hopkinson will provide South Canterbury with two good scoring wings, who are also sound on defence. McPhail is a solid centre with plenty of pace and he should fit well with the rest of the line.

At last the selectors appear to have realised that C. Rollinson is the best full-back in South Canterbury, for he will be the last line of defence at Oamaru rn Saturday. In the TownCountry match he did nc ; play as well as he has in some club matches this season, but he made few mistakes, tiis handling and kicking being very sure.