Rugby Test Selection Commented On By J. B. Smith

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 July 1950, Page 6

Rugby Test Selection Commented On By J. B. Smith

WHANGRAEI, July 20 (PA).— “From now on I’m interested only in playing for North Auckland. As far as bigger football is concerned, I would be just as happy to turn it in.” This comment was made today by the North Auckland Ruby captain, J. BSmith. His left arm is in a sling, and he said that his shoulder, which he dislocated yesterday, was sore and stiff. “If I’m fit I’ll play for the New Zealand Maori side against the Britishers, but I don’t intend to put myself out for anybody but North Auckland for this season,” he added. “My chief interest is the Ranfurly Shield challenge and the matches against Auckland.

“If I’d been chosen for the fourth test I would have made every effort to get right, but now I’ll just let my shoulder mend itself. If I’m ail right I’ll play for New Zealand Maoris." Smith said one New Zealand selector, Mr. Corner, came to the North Auckland dressing-rom after yesterday’s match and asked how his shoi.V der felt. Smith replied that it was sore and stiff. Mr. Corner said no more and left.

“It seems that the New Zealand team was chosen before yesterday’s match,” Smith said. “I thought Perrin, Cherrington and Paewai had a great chance of making the fourth test.

“I’m disgusted that no North Aucklander gained a place in the AU Blacks, especially when a man who cannot get in the Auckland team is chosen.”