MAORI TEAM CAPTAIN INJURED IN CAR SMASH; MAY NOT PLAY IN TEST

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 May 1949, Page 7

MAORI TEAM CAPTAIN INJURED IN CAR SMASH; MAY NOT PLAY IN TEST

SYDNEY, May 30.—Owing to injuries sustained in a car accident the Maori captain, A. J. West, may miss the first Rugby Union Test against Australia next Saturday. He was returning from a barbecue given the Maoris by the Parramatta Club. West’s chin was gashed by broken glass and his face was bruised. He was taken to hospital where seven stitches were inserted in his face. After remaining at the hospital for a few hours he returned to the hotel. The team manager, Mr. S. Heather, says the injury is not serious but that West may not be allowed in the Test for fear of reopening the wound. Selection of the Australian team for the first Test is causing much comment. The half-back, R. Cawsey, has not played football for three weeks and is still receiving treatment, for .an injured leg. The winger, C. Davis, 'could not play for New South Wales last Saturday because of a pulled hip muscle. Both must prove their fitness before Saturday to secure inclusion in the team. Prominent coaches criticise the omission of the Wallaby forwards A. Buchan and P. Hardcastle from the Australian team. The former internationals, W. Cerutti, A. Hodgson, and E. Jessup, also believe the selectors have taken a risk in choosing Tweedale, Harvey, and Cross in the second row where they are out of position. The half-baqk, Burke, who on Saturday was left unprotected against the Maori breakaways and who played through most of the match with a badly bruised ankle, is being blamed for the defeat by a section of the New South Wales team. Eight of the Maori team which defeated New South Wales on Saturday are retained in the team to play Newcastle on Wednesday. The match brings the sar five-eighth Couch, back nto the side The team is:— Full-back: Kenny. Three-quarters: McKinley, Taylor, Five-eighths: Beazley, Couch. Half-back: Kipa. Forwards: Marriner. Bryers, Stirling, Reid. L. Hohoia, Heperi, Parahi, and R. Hohoia.