ALL BLACK TRIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20624, 27 May 1935, Page 8

ALL BLACK TRIAL.

Good Backs Stave Off Burly Forwards. MATCH AT DUNEDIN. (Special to the “Star.”) DUNEDIN, This Day. The search for New Zealand’s best ■Rugb- Went in view of the coming All Black tour of Great Britain grows apace. Saturday’s trial at Carisbrook brought thirty men from the major South Island districts under the eye of the selectors, and this week the men of the West Coast and Nelson districts will have their turn. On June S, at Christchurch, will come the first major trial, wh n the South Island Possibles v. Probables match will be played. That is less than a fortnight away. The thirty men chosen for that game will be well on their way for the highest honours that New Zealand has to offer them. Saturday’s game demonstrated the great wealth of burly, competent forwards that the southern districts possess and the superior class of back that is being produced in the northern unions of the South Island. The score of 10 points to 9 in favour of the northern unions was a good indication of the worth of the two sides. Generally speaking the superiority of the northern backs more than offset the dominance of the southern forwards. As a combined attacking unit the backs were not outstanding, but there was some fine play by individuals. Defensively the northern backs were superb, their tackling rising well up to the highest traditions ot the game. Had there been any loosening tip in the determination to keep the heavy attacking forwards at bay the southern team must have won the day.

Oliver and Hart. Two backs were outstanding. These were Oliver and Hart, of Canterbury, and it seems certain now that they will be making the trip to England. Mortlock (Canterbury) and Gaffanev (South Cant:rbury) did not play up to their full ability, but thev were better than Trevathan and Gillies (Otago), who with the larger share of the ball, failed in many opportunities for attack. It would seem that the northern pair are likely to be considered for the South Island trial. Their selection will depend ttpon the performance of plaj'ers in this week’s minor unions’ trial. The selection of a half-back is one of the besetting problems of the trials. | Simon (Otago) shaded L. Brown (Can- | terbury), but neither has the intel- | ligence, the snap and the all-round ( qualities of Dailey, who went Home in - 1924. Simon’s game was good, but he had the advantage of Brown in that he was playing b hind the better pack. Rival Full-backs. Two good full-backs were seen in Nolan (Canterbur}*) and Taylor (Otago). On the days’ play there was little between them. Nolan’s handling, which is usually sound, let him down | once or twice, and both he and Taylor were in error in seeking for too much length when kicking for the line, the ball often failing to find touch. A fullback who sacrifices safety may let his side down. After Hart, the best wing of th'* day was Morrison, of South Canterbury.* Although he had little chance of showing his real worth on attack, there was a definiteness about his performance that was eloquent of skill. It is to be hop'd that this promising young player is given another chance of showing what he can do outside backs who send the ball out smartly. The Forwards Reviewed. Brilliantly led by the All Black (Otago) hooker, J. Ilore, the southern forwards were an impressive set. Niven (Otago) was often at the head of things and George (Southland) and Vorrath (Otago) and Purdue (Southland) were also conspicuous. These men are likely to be included in the South Island trial. In the northern . pack Manchester was the l ader. He had bad luck when a kick on the hand i broke two small bones and caused his retirement. It is to be hoped that the injury will heal rapidly so that Man- , Chester may take his place in the All Black side—a place that he has alreadv ! wo-. Smeaton (South Canterbury) as the loose forward enhanced his chances of final selection. He was everywhere, playing an outstanding game on attack and defence. Adkins and Giddings (South Canterbury) were also responsible for a lot o,f hard work. Adkins is of the same t.vpe as the famous Irvine with the advantage of more speed. Deavoll (Canterbury) was another who improved his chancrs of selection. Hattersley (Canterbury) played well until an injury caused his retirement. He has been shaping well and may get another chance. (Other football comment appears on Page 11.)