WANGANUI RUGBY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 4

WANGANUI RUGBY

SENIOR CONTEST TO RESUME TO-DAY’S THREE MATCHES PREVIEW OF THE PLAY (By “Cross-Bar.”) Of the three senior Rugby matches to be played under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Union to-day, greatest interest will centre in that between Kaierau and Technical Old Boys, mainly for the reason that it is an acknowledged fact that Kaierau has set the standard which must be equalled, or beaten, before the Cup can be won. Naturally, this contest will take pride of place on Spriggens Park. The early tussle will be between Pirates and Marist. Wanganui and Old Boys are to journey to Ratana. Recollecting the Kaierau-Old Boys match, and tho showing Technical Old Boys made against Pirates in the first effort of the season, there would seem to be no doubt about the result of tho principal game to-day. Kaierau should prevail. But when Technical Old Boys were set against Marist they performed much better than was expected, despite the fact that the majority of points they scored were obtained by kicking. Tho outstanding feature of that match was that the green van was held.

It would be right to assume then, that the Technical Old Boys’ forwards will be a far more virile force against Kaierau than the van Old Boys put in the field. It is probable also that Kaierau will have to meet a different typo of game to that which faced the side last time. Old Boys’ backs stood ready to attack while Kaierau’s rearguard was doing the attacking and taking the passes flat-footed. A quickermoving up on Old Boys’ part into the opposing line, and a smarter breaking of the Old Boys’ van would have altered Kaierau’s outlook considerably. It is doubtful whether those tactics would have won the game, but they would have made the issue decidedly closer.

Assuming that Technical Old Boys will profit by the lesson Old Boys learned they will try and play Kaierau at their own game —keeping the ball down at toe. Knowing that the other side will have to resort to those tactics the maroons may hook the ball and use the punt upfield fairly often. If not there will be a tussle between the two packs to determine which can control the ball in tight and loose. So far as tho two back lines are concerned, it is probable that they will prove about equal in attacking power. There is just a chance, though, that Kaierau will be the better on defence. The prediction is: A win for Kaierau. PIRATES AND MARIST Marist will make a much more spirited bid against Pirates this afternoon than in any effort they have put forward so far and they stand a very fair chance of getting home. Pirates will need every ounce of strength, particularly in the van. They gave a dismal display against Ratana the last time out and if the effort this afternoon is no better Marist will win. In the back line the blacks will have a margin of superiority, but not a great deal, as they will miss Lowe. Incidentally, so will the Wanganui Metropolitan team. Marists’ trouble will be to function properly as a team, and their usual tendency to play as individuals may mean their undoing. Lack of defensive ability also will prove a handicap to them. The prediction is: A win for Pirates. OLD BOYS AND RATANA Ratana always fields a good side on the home ground and Old Boys will need to be fully on their mettle to-day. Judged on the displays to date, however, the city team should win. Their defensive qualities and ability of their forwards will be called upon very solidly.