TEST PROSPECTS

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 25 June 1928, Page 7

TEST PROSPECTS

N.Z. BACKS CONSIDERED BETTER. HOME FORWARDS WILL HOLD OWN. Per Press Association —Copyright.! MARITZBURG, June 23. After the match New Zealand v. Natal, Mr George Devenish (onb of the South African selectors) said that lifter the trials this week, he was not too pleased with the South African backs, and after seeing the All Blacks' performance in the last twenty minutes to-day. there was doubt leit in his mind as to the ability of South Africa to bold the New Zealanders. He was emphatic that the South African forwards would more than hold their own. Comment on All Blacks. The general opinion is that today’s team will be the Test team for next Saturday, with two exceptions: Dailey is almost certain to play halfback and Finlayson is certain to go at the side of the scrum in place of McWilliams.

It is surprising that the Selection Committee continues to play Carleton on his performances to date. He is unquestionably a great defensive player, but not reliable in attack. Several times he has dropped passes when the wings were in a scoring

position. Dailey has had a touch of influenza, but will be recovered by next Saturday.

It is surprising that Nicholls has been dropped for to-morrow after his excellent performance at Potchefstroom, where he gave easily the best display of five-eighths play so far on the tour.

Lucas is also considered unlucky not to be given a place after his brilliant play on Wednesday. Finlayson will be rested to-morrow, having played more matches than anybody in the team except Stewart, who has also played in six games to date. (This is incorrect.) Lindsay, on form, has shown himself more reliable than Lilburne. He kicks with better length a.nd judgment. The Springbok Side. For tho past week 62 players from all over South Africa, have been engaged in trial games at Durham, and to-day the final trial will be played. The Springbok side will probably be announced at the middle of next week.

The full-back position is very open, and will probably be decided after the Natal—New Zealand match.

Tindall is the public fancy at present. Unfortunately several of the Unions’ best players have been injured in the trial matches.

Two outstanding wings—van Niecerk and J. J. Pienaar—have been hurt and it appears that Prinslco and Slater will be the wingers. Both are fast, tricky players.

The centre position is veny doubtful for the moment. Duffy, a fine allrounder, was injured yesterday, and A’bertyn, a player of considerable experience, will probably fill the position.

The five-eighths will undoubtedly be “Bennie” Osler and Stanley Osler. Devine, on his great play in the Transvaal matches, must- be half. „

There is hardly likely to be any alteration in the following pack:—Van Druten, Kruger, Mostert, Pretorius, van Wyk, Dutoit, Oliver and Daneel. Most papers in the country agree that the Springbok side will be exceptionally strong in forwardsj but the backs are not as good as expected. Several papers published articles saying that the Springboks will win the first Test., Mostert and Kruger, of the probable Test side, are the only players who toured New Zealand with the 1921 Springboks. Another Opinion. * \ Mr F. M. Howard, in an article in “The Rand Daily Mail” says the AH Blacks, after seven matches, are not up to expectations, falling short of the famous 1924 side. He says the Springboks will win next Saturday’s Test. There is not the slightest doubt that

the AH Blacks will Eave to play much better football than they have done so far, and although the backs have played some brilliant football, they would not get r.way with it against the South African side. It is recognised that, as in most big Rugby battles the Test match will be chiefly a fierce forward combat.

TEST MATCH FIXTURES.

NEXT SATURDAY’S BIG BATTLE

Following are the Test Match fixtures, New Zealand v. Africa : Saturday.—-First Test, at Durban. July 21.—Second Test, at Johannes-

burg. August 18.—Third Test, at Port . Elizabeth. September I.—Fourth Test, at Capetown.