RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18378, 11 July 1931, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

MATAMATA UNION. MATCH WITH ROTORUA. Though Matamata defeated Rotorua by thirteen points to nine, the visitors scored three tries to the home team’s two and it was only Carlson’s good hoot which won the match. Matamata had all the better of the game in the first spell hut could not push home the attack, a lack of understanding. between Fallon and Egan being principally responsible. In the second half the game was very even with the visiting backs putting more dash Into it. The Rotorua forwards had a slight advantage over the home pack and held on right to the finish.

Stewart was patchy at full-back for Matamata. Fausett did some good work but was often out of position at centre. Wilson and Brown, on the wings, were handicapped for the ball. Carroll was the best back. Story was as dangerous as ever and Carlson led the forwards in good style, with Malllgan and Ford always on the ball. Sutherland, for the visitors, was better than Stewart. Greening, at centre, was the best back on the side. Goodwin and Morgan, on the wings, were dashy, but not too sure on defence. Young, Parsons and Taiapa were the best of a good pack.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM.

TOUR OF DOMINION. ROSS TO MAKE TRIP. There Is good news this week for Rugby enthusiasts on both sides of the Tasman (says a Sydney writer). Last week mention was made of the doubt as to whether A. W. Ross, the greatest full-back Australia has ever known, would be available to take his place in the Australian team that is to tour New Zealand in August. It is now definitely announced that he will be available for selection, and his prowess is so well recognised that his selection is a foregone conclusion. I-Ie is head and shoulders above any other full-back playing in Australia today, and as he is such a fine sport he Is sure to be popular with New Zealand crowds.

Various New Zealand teams have had a taste of Ross, but strange to say he has never played on New Zealand soil. He is greatly looking forward to the tour. It is recognised here that the Australian team would 1 he much less formidable without Ross, who is as safe a player as ever walked on to a Rugby ground. His kicking is superb, and his tackling a treat to watch. He will be a thorn in the side of the New Zealanders. It is considered certain that Stegall, the Queensland full-back, will be Ross's understudy.

Seleoting Strong Side.

Unusual care Is being taken in the selection of the Australian team, and New Zealand can rest assured that it will not be composed of second-raters. The selectors have already seen Queensland and New South Wales in action, but have refrained, from making any selections until the two States meet in a return match at Sydney. The selectors have chosen two teams to practice in New South Wales, and already the weeding-out process has begun. In order that no worth-while player shall be overlooked, two of the selectors have gone to Melbourne specially to watch a trial game there. Rugby is not a strong point with Victorians, who are given over to Australian rules, but there are half a dozen clubs in Melbourne containing some very promising players. It Is the desire of the Australian Union that the team for New Zealand should be thoroughly representative, and it would not.be surprising if at least two Victorians are included. Of course, New South Wales will supply the hulk of the team. Excellent form has been shown in club matches this year, and New Zealand will have to he at their best to win the Tests.