THE RUGBY PASTIME

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15980, 7 May 1924, Page 9

THE RUGBY PASTIME

(By "Drop-kick.") With the trial games leading up to the selection of the team which will represent New. Zealand >on the tour of Great Britain now entered on, keen interest will be taken in them by players 'who are likely to be in the running for the tour and also by the great body of the Rugby public in every part' of the Dominion. The first game of marked importance to the Auckland province will be played at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday next, between two fifteens?, which could bold their own in Rugby competition anywhere in this country. On the one side Hawke's Bay-Poverty Bay and Bay of Plenty Unions will provide the men who will he pitted against a side selected from North .Viickiand-Auckland-Waikato. In the former team there will he a very strong leaven of Ranfnrly Shield men of last season, while Auckland will provide, with a few exceptions, perhaps, the players who are to do duty for this end of the Rugby world. It, promises to be a game of thrills from kick-off to "no-side," providing the weather holds good, as it promises to do. t As I commented in my summary of the game, the score which Auok.nnd registered against Waikato on Saturday was not a true indication of the run of play. In stating that lam not detracting in any way from the brilliancy of the Auckland backs, who appeared on the scene and opened up passing bouts from any anrl all points of the field. Their reverse passing was their forte fast season and the combination was present to re-intro-duce it, on Saturday. All the handicaps were with Waikato as they must, be with a team collected only on occasion of games. It was experience which bested Wnikaio to such a wide margin. Our hacks lacked cohesion, though individually they were capable of promising work at, times. Matheson played a fine game al, full-back. His defensive work came much more frequently than that, of his vis-a-vis. It was a heavy task and Matheson 'came through with credit. Glenn and Thompson, the wing three-quarters, were pitted against solid opposition in Kirwan and Lucas. While overshadowed they did much useful work, Glenn being Ihe belter. Kemp was a better fA-e-eiglifh than Wilson. Malloy, the centre and an Auckland representative last season, was up against a hard proposition in Vic Bradley, the Auckland skipper, playing a top notch game. Behind the Waikato pack Wright played a stubborn game. He was not assisted by a great deal of ball from the scrum, but on one occasion when he did get it, by this route, he displayed his initiative by making an opening for Glenn to score. Though beaten from scrums and line-outs, the Waikato forwards played a commendable game against, strong odds. They were hotter in the second half than in the first and frequently carried play over long stretches of ground. It was no fault of theirs that matters did not, end belter in the scoring sense. Hooper and Scott, in addition to their hooking work, were always in the thick of it. Garter and Cotter were another good pair, while Clarkin roved with much success during the game, frequently breaking in among the opposing bcicks, showing speed and the ability to last out at a fast, bat. Bourke locked his scrum well. It would be wonderful what a difference would he made in our forwards if collectively taken, and systematically coached as the material is undoubtedly there. Auckland critics paid a tribute to the efforts of the Waikato vanguard, as they had every right to do in the big uphill task thai confronted them. McLean proved the outstanding player <o( the Auckland forwards. A man of fine physique, a. sure handler and endowed with a god turn of speed he possesses all, or nearly all, the requirements of a great forward. If he had one fault on Saturday, it was his inclination to get out, with the backs and thus presented the liability to interfere with the regular action of that division. Clarkin in the Team. After the notes above were in type word was received that Stan Clarkin, of the City Club (Hamilton) had been, selected to play in Saturday's match at Auckland. Clarkin left for Auckland to-day, where he will go into training with, the combined side. As previously noted Clarkin played a noteworthy game on Saturday, and the fact that the selectors have given the local forward recognition will be received wilh approval throughout, the Waikato, where supporters and players will all wish him success when next lie dons the jersey.