RUGBY INTEREST WILL CENTRE TODAY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 May 1949, Page 7

RUGBY INTEREST WILL CENTRE TODAY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Along with other parts of New Zealand, Wanganui Rugby interest will centre today on the opening match of the 1949 All Blacks tour of South Africa. The match will b? aga'nst Western Province Universities. The Wanganui player, P. Henderson, who has been chosen as one of the wing three-quarters, will be wearing his All Black jersey for the first time in an official match. K. Gudsell, the other Wanganui All Black, was reported last week to be on the slightly injured list. In 1923 the All Blacks won their first three matches but went down to

Transvaal by six points to nil in the fourth match. oiiice originally selected there has aeen one withdrawal from the New Zealand team, E. H. Catley, the hooker, having suffered a minor back injury. He has been replaced by N. H. .vilson. A cable message received by the New Zealand Rugby Union from Mr. J. H. Parker, manager, states the All Blacks are fit and well and will take the field determined to give a good account of themselves. Catley is expected to be fit to play in about three weeks. The New Zealand team for today’s match is as follows: — x- ull-back: R. W. H. Scott. Three-quarters: P. Henderson, R. R. Elvidge, I. J. Botting. Five-eighths: F. R. Allen, N. H. Black. Half-back: L. T. Savage. Front Row: J. G. Simpson, N. H. Wilson, K. L. Skinner. Middle Row: P. J. Crowley, C. Willocks, L. R. Harvey, H. F. Frazer, J. R. McNab. Back Row: N. H. Thornton.