“KIWI” RUGBY TEAM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 264, 8 November 1945, Page 3

“KIWI” RUGBY TEAM

HARD MATCH AHEAD GALAXY OF STARS AT LEEDS (Official War Correspondent—N.Z.E.F.) Recd. 6 p.m. London, Nov. 6. The N.Z.E.F. Rugby team will meet an exceptionally strong side representating the Northern Services at Leeds on Saturday when the opposition is made up of 10 Rugby League players, of whom seven are internationals, and live Rugby internationals. The Services team will be: F. Trott (Wales, Rugby), A E. Johnson (England, League), G. Price, A. J. Risman, A. Edwards, C. Evans (Wales, League), H. Tanner (Wales, Rugby), F. Evans (Wales, League), J. D. H. Hastie (Scotland, Rugby), W. G. Jones (Wales, Rugby). J, B. Lees (Scotland, Rugby), D. Phillips (Wales, League), I. Owen (Wales, League), J. H. Fox and G. S. Brown.

Even against this galaxy of stars of both codes, the Kiwi backs can be expected to perform well. The chief concern of the selectors will be the fielding of the pack which can give them a fair share of the ball. The main problem in the forwards are the correct packing down into scrums, faster hooking when the ball is secured, and getting the ball to the backs from rucking. With the first phase of the tour ended with the return from Wales, the team has made an excellent start. The forwards have had three exceedingly hard games, and the best vanguard combination fielded was against Swansea. In all matches the forwards have failed to get the ball smartly to the backs, and though several have played excellently indivividually, they have not yet blended into a co-ordinated pack. In onen

nlay there has been excellent cooperation between forwards and OUTSTANDING FORWARD Finlay has been the outstanding forward in three games and others making an early good showing are Woolley, Arnold and Simpson. the backs have made an exceedingly promising start, and it is certain that some will return with big reputations. They are very enterprising, thenhandling is good and they pre already showing excellent combination. So far the centre, P. B. Smith, has attracted most attention, and he has given two remarkably fine performances. His ability to change pace has repeatedly carried him through gaps to make good openings for his wings, and this team is playing .on its wings more than is usual in New Zealand Rugby. . „ , F. R. Allen, with two games at first five-eighth, has also shown a great eye for an opening and great speed, and is a most dangerous attacking player. Allen is covering well in defence and has played two fine games. The team appears to be specially well served with wingers, having four of the definitely good class. Sherratt has done best so far. Scott has won much nratse for two almost faultless displays at full-back, and his kicking contributed .17 points to the team’s aggregate of 00. Saturday's match proved an exceedingly stiff test to meet so early in the tour, but if the forwards _ improve their scrummaging the Kiwis should give an excellent account of themselves.