TO PLAY TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 106, 8 May 1933, Page 5

TO PLAY TAIHAPE

THE WANGANUI TEAM. The following Wanganui team has been chosen to play Taihape, at Taihape on May 20 (Saturday week). Mr. L. Southcombe, sole selector for the Metropolitan Rugby Union, made his selection after last Saturday’s matches: Full-back: Morgan (K). Three-quarters: Brisco (TOB), Gibson (OB), Bullock-Douglas (OB). Five-eighths: Egan (OB), Gibbons (P), Ist. Half-back: Duncan (P). Back row: Lockett (K). Middle row: Buckley (M), Matthews (M), Byres (K), Maitland (P). Front row: C. Tasker (K), W. Thompson (P), Clay (OB). Reserves: Davies (K), back; Hutchinson (TOB), forward. Every member of this team must turn out to practice at Spriggens Park next Monday night at 7.30. There must be no defections. If a player fails to turn up his place will be filled in the team that is to travel. Any who are not able to make the trip are to notify Mr. Southcombe, c/o the Wanganui Education Board, before Wednesday night, if possible before mid-day tomorrow. It is tho intention of tho Wanganui Metropolitan Union to take the Pownall Trophy to Taihape on this trip and it will be at stake on the match. For that reason and the fact that the three Wanganui selectors—Messrs. L. Southcombe (Wanganui), A. Henwood (Rangitikei), and C. Murphy (Taihape)— will watch the game in preparation for choosing a side to play Taranaki at Wanganui on June 3, it is hoped that tho Metropolitan team will take the field as selected. Taihape is certain to put the strongest side possible into action. A BRIEF COMMENTARY. (By “Cross-bar.”) There are two or three points about, the team selected which will bear a little examination. Lowe’s injury left the selector a difficult task to find a fullback. Upston was the best of a poor lot. The fact that Morgan gets the position indicates that Upston’s ability in the face of fast forwards has not been sufficiently satisfying. The three-quarter line chosen is Wanganui’s best. Egan was a certainty at second five-eighths. Gibbons has been playing good football this season, but his inclusion in the team is probably influenced by the fact that the selector has stuck to Duncan as half-back —two team mates together. McGregor (K), was the only other competitor for this position. His game on Saturday brought the selector back to Duncan who is a long way below his best. It was a case of choosing a player that was known against a man who has been seen in action twice, only and on one

| occasion was not outstanding. Had -McGregor found a place it would bo reasonable to assume that Morgan would have played at first-five-eighths. Hodson (Marist) has played fairly well as a pivot so far, but ho is young and has his day in front of him. Tho same may be said of Chamberlain, the Old Boys’ first five-eighth. Coming to forwards, it would be easy enough to pick two packs or more or less equal strength, and it would be safe to say that the selector has got one of the best. Thompson, Byres and Buekloy were certainties. The others are the best choice of tho day. Clay (Old Boys), is a newcomer to tho representative pack ami is deserving of a trial. He has hardened up this season and has played good football every time he has takeu tho field.