CANTERBURY RUGBYWHAT IS THE ACID TEST?

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17906, 23 July 1926, Page 9

CANTERBURY RUGBY—WHAT IS THE ACID TEST?

To the Editor. Sir,—ln Tuesday’s “ Star ” I read with much amusement an article by “ L.G.” who states that the South Islanders arc not getting a fair go with the All Blacks at present in Australia, and by the use of stupid comparisons he endeavours to show his Christchurch readers what a really good judge of football he is. He wants to know why Mill is picked in the tests in preference to Dailey. The reason should be obvious to any unbiassed critic. Mill is picked in preference to Dailey simply because he is an infinitely superior player. Mill is undoubtedly an artist at the game, and not even Dailey’s most staunch supporters could claim that honour for him. I gather from “L.G.” (who is apparently a football authority in Christchurch) that such players as Dailey, Elvy, Robilliard and others are without peers in New Zealand. In my opinion the time to eulogise these Canterbury players will be when this pro\*ince has succeeded in wresting the Ranfurly Shield from the present holders, a contingency which would appear to be somewhat remote. As one prominent footba.ll critic has said to me, “ If Canterbury players were half as good a’S Canterbury people were led to believe they are, they would have no difficulty in winning and keeping the Ranfurly Shield.”—l am, etc., HALF BACK.