OVERHAUL OF N.Z. TEAM STRONGLY ADVOCATED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19119, 11 July 1930, Page 15

OVERHAUL OF N.Z. TEAM STRONGLY ADVOCATED.

“S.T.S.” writes: “After witnessing Saturday's test match I am more than ever convinced that the New Zealand team must undergo a thorough overhaul in both backs and forwards if we are to show our real strength in international football. “It is now very apparent that the inclusion of new blood is the one and only means of supplying the youthful dash necessary to cope with the dangerous initiative and spirited play of our visitors. It is true that the second test has been won, but on the day’s play we have little reason to be proud of our victory. The New Zealand forwards were noticeably sluggish, and although they -worked finely in the tight they were hardly a match for the British packmen in the open. Our forwards are of the ideal type to oppose a pack such as is produced by the Springboks: but for a pack of the Britishers’ type a distinctly different class of forward is needed. “Speed is one big essential to be considered. Fit young forwards of Manchester’s type, who work solidly in the tight and are very fast in the open, would make the world of difference to the New Zealand vanguard. Stewart, Cottrell and M’Williams have earned their places, but Hore, Hazlett, Steere and Fin lays on could be replaced to good advantage. It is obvious, too, that Solomon or Scrimshaw would be an improvement on Porter at wingforward. Barry, of Wellington, is a fine young forward, while Batty, of Auckland, might be included. That we have the material for a very fine pack there is little doubt. “After Saturday’s display, on top of his game at Dunedin, Lucas is a decidedly weak link in the back chain. Oliver, too, is not up to the standard required. Ruru, the young Hawke’s Bay Maori, may be the winger for whom our selectors are looking. It is obvious that Nicholls must go to second five-eighth, and Cooke to centre if our rearguard is to function smoothly. After his plucky display behind the scrum. Corner, the diminutive Aucklander, must again be our halfback, but the selectors will have to find a first five-eighth. Then and then only can we have confident hopes of winning the rubber.”