CAN N.Z. TRIUMPH IN SECOND TEST?

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19108, 28 June 1930, Page 10

CAN N.Z. TRIUMPH IN SECOND TEST?

“ A VITAL GAME FROM RUBBER STANDPOINT.” A Rugby correspondent signing himself S.T.S., writes:— It is a well-known fact that astute judges of Rugby form throughout the Dominion consider that the home selectors have made an inexcusable blunder in making only three changes in the personnel of the New Zealand fifteen for the second test match against BritFollowers of the game in all parts of New Zealand are asking themselves why such men as Lucas. Irvine, and Nicholls, whose best playing days are, undoubtedly over, should be considered fit to represent the cream of the Dominion’s Rugby talent in their respective positions. It is true that the players mentioned are bv no means old in the matter of age, but it is a significant fact that they are certainly old as far as international football is concerned. It appears that the selectors in dropping Mill are admitting a very grave error made in their original selection. In the Wairarapa v. Britain match, Mill showed plainly that he is now but a shadow of the famous “ Jimmy ” of 1924. That the selectors have blundered equally bad in the selection of Lucas and Irvine was proved conclusively at Dunedin last Saturday. Most Important Game. Yet these men are being given another chance in a game which is now undoubtedly the most important of the test match series. The result of the second test, alone, will show whether our men have a sporting chance of securing the rubber. Then again there is little doubt that in other directions the team could be considerably strengthened. For example it is obvious that there are better locks than Steere, whose display at Dunedin, as well as in club football, did not warrant his inclusion. He was indeed lucky to get in ahead of lan Harvey, who was more than his equal in the Wellington trial. As a partner for Cottrell, Hore, of Otago, or Burrows, of Canterbury, would be 50 per cent better than Irvine. Why Not Lindsay? The inclusion of Lindsay, the Otago man at centre, would vastly improve the three-quarter line. One of the outstanding successes of the South African tour, Lindsay, js one of the few players with the ability to rise to brilliant heights in big football. Then again he has youth on his side, besides the powerful, unerring boot, which proved so valuable to the All Blacks on Springbok soil. The selection of Corner as half can not be unduly criticised, but one wonders why “ Tommy" Mull an, whose work this season has been of a high order, has not equal claims, to the position. M’Gregor’s Form. It is true that if Mullan went in, M’Gregor must have serious claims for the first five-eighth position. M’Gregor this year is M’Gregor the international and the great understanding between these two players is worthy of more than a passing thought. Assuming that Nepia, Hart, D. Oliver, Cooke, Porter, Cottrell, Finlayson, Hazlett and M'Williams have justified their inclusion, a side more representative of the Dominion. Rugby strength would be:— Full-back—Nepia. Three-quarters—Hart, Lindsay and Oliver.

Five-eighths—Cooke, M’Gregor. Half-back—Mullan. • W ing-f orward—Porter. Hookers—Cottrell, Hore. Lock—Harvey. Supports—-Hazlett, Stewart. Back rankers—Finlayson and M’Williams.