WANGANUI RUGBY TEAMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 139, 15 June 1939, Page 4

WANGANUI RUGBY TEAMS

GOOD PRACTICE HAD COACH VERY PLEASED The two Wanganui representative teams for engagements next Saturday had a successful practice at Spriggens Park last night. All the players were present, including those from Waverley. The scrum of the representative side to play Manawatu was put down against the scrum selected for the city clubs’ team to play Wainui-a-Rua and the Springbok method of hooking the ball down a channel to the side, so as to give the half-back possession on his way back to his backs after putting the ball in, was tried under the coaching of Mr. H. Whiting. It was started in slow motion and gradually worked up to pace. Under the rule as it exists to-day the ball can be so hooked, but it was a debatable point whether the rules operative when the Springboks were in New Zealand allowed that method. Seen after the practice, Mr. Whiting said that he was very pleased with it. “The players are all keen,” he said, “and the solid training in the gymnasium will be of value on Saturday.” The team to play Manawatu leaves by bds at 10 o’clock on Saturday morning. Dr. G. J. Adams is to be manager and Mr. H. Whiting will acI company the team as co-manager and coach.

' THE MANAWATU TEAM j COMMENT ON THE SELECTION I J SURPRISE AT NEW WING THREE-QUARTER The dropping of K. Reid, Palmerston North High School Old Eoys three-quarter, from the Manawatu Rugby representative team to meet Wanganui next Saturday, in favour of his team-mate, J. Howell, caused mild surprise, comments New Zealand Sporting Life and Referee. The action of the selector, Mr. J. A. Colquhoun, however, need not be interpreted as indicating any loss of confidence in Reid who, against Wellington on King's Day, played a good game. With a southern tour ahead, the selector probably decided to try out other wings. Reid has weight, strength and pace, and unquestionably has it '{in him to become a first-class threequarter. Give him plenty of room, and he invariably does the right thing, and does it well, but if he be- . comes at all crowded he is not so ’ sure and has a tendency to run infield to look for an opening. That habit has frequently cost his side some

ground. The only other change in the team is the inclusion of W. Powell (St. Patrick’s), who will unquestionably strengthen an already strong forward side. Powell was picked to play against. Wellington, but was unable to fill his place owing to an attack of influenza. He has been a useful !goal-kicker for his side this season.

RANG! CHASE W ANTS TO BE REINSTATED. TAIHAPE, June 13. Rangi Chase, the well-known New Zealand ropiesenlativp League player, wants to be reinstated to Rugby according to information which Mr. W. Pine, a member of the Taihape Rugby Union, supplied to the Union al a meeting of the management committee last evening. “Rangi Chase is now a married | man lix ing in the iTaihape district and he informs me that he wishes Io be reinstated, and has no intention of playing League again,” Mr. Pine said. “Circumstances have- changed since Rangi last applied for reinstatement and then played League. He was a single man then and was persuaded fo return to Auckland. He is now married and has given mo a definite assurance that he intends 1o remain ’lithe district, and desires to don the Rugby jersey again. If Rangi Chase returned to League this season he would be a certainty for the trip to England, but he is emphatic in his assertion that he has no desire 1o play League again and wishes to apply for reinstatement. Will the Union consider his application,” inquired Mr. Pine. The chairman, Mr. J. Webb, pointed out that the matter rested with the Wanganui Rugby Union. If Chase pul in his application in writing to the Taihape Union it would be forwarded on to Wanganui, added Mr. Web’.). Other members agreed wit h Ihe views expressed by the chairman, and it, was pointed out that Chase would be a great asset to Rugby if he was reinstated.

It was left to Mr. Pine to advise Chase to put in his application at once so that it could be sent to Wanganui without delay. MARLBOROUGH BEATEN WELLINGTON IN GOOD FORM • ( Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 14. Wellington beat the touring Marlborough Rugby team a.t Athletic Park to-day by 33 to 8 after an uninspiring game. The visitors fielded many young players whom it is hoped the tour will develop. They shaped promisingly in the second spell, but Wellington should have run up a much higher score had many excellent opportunities not been thrown away by faulty handling. Mr. E. McKenzie, sole All Black selector, was a spectator.