Satisfying, Form In Rugby Trial

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28262, 27 April 1957, Page 5

Satisfying, Form In Rugby Trial

"'f'Up Canterbury-All Black trial game last Satur«i t . ser Y ed a two-fold purpose. It provided the ooutn Island selectors with an opportunity of seeing the early-season form of contenders for All Black honours and the Canterbury selectors a chance to assess the capabilities of several newcomers to trial and representative football. The Canterbury selectors, in particular, should be very pleased with the form shown so early in the season.

As in previous years the selectors nominated lo players for the first All Black trial at Christchurch on Tuesday and only one of these—N. S. Roberts—has not been included in the two sides, either as a player or a reserve. Of the 14 included in the trial teams, seven played in Springbok trials last year and J. B. Buxton, a Canterbury player last year, has also been included as an Otago nominee.

It would at first glance seem that Canterbury was a little ambitious in nominating 15 players for the trial. Upon closer examination, however, and on the form shown in the trial game last Saturday, all the players nominated are worthy of it. In fact, it was surprising not to see at least three others nominated—R. W. Moffat, P. A. Hutchinson, and C. A. McDonald. Moffat was one of the outstanding forwards in last Saturday’s game and played excellent football for Canterbury during the Ranfurly Shield series. In many ways it is difficult to understand why he was not nominated for the trial on Tuesday. One possible reason is that he does not carry enough weight (he was 13st 41b last year) but probably the main answer is that the style of play of Roberts is preferred by the selectors.

difficult tc know what form S. K. Henderson will produce for he has been unable to play in organised fixtures so far because of a sprained ankle. Last year he was erratic—brilliant one day, mediocre the next. H. C. Burry, K. F. Meates, B. J. Molloy, E. Hern, W. J. Whineray and N. Teague are others who did not take part in All Black trials last year, but all are great players

Moffat has perfected the driving play as a number eight forward while Roberts is particularly sound on cover defence. W. A. McCaw, the outstanding New Zealand and Southland number eight, combined both of these qualities in his play and if Moffat and Roberts could do the same, then success would probably be theirs also.

and it would not be surprising to see some of them selected to tour Australia this year.

Many other newcomers from other South Island unions will take part in the trials. They include E. M. Flaherty (Mid-Can-terbury), J. Anderson (Otago), D. L. Ashby (Southland), P. McIlroy (Otago), H. J. Levien (Otago), T. Edgerton (West Coast), I. Dent (Buller), E. S. Diack (Otago), M. D. Casey (South Canterbury), and D. P. Kennedy (South Canterbury). None nf these took part in the AH black trials last year.

McDonald is another who should not have been passed over for the trial. He had little chance of producing his best form last Saturday because of the close attention

he received from A. E. G. Elsom, but he did little wrong. Given a faster service inside he can play brilliantly and. use his great speed to the best advantage. Hutchinson is another who seems unfortunate in not being included in the trial teams. Although only a young player, he made some grand runs on Saturday and his play in the first club match of the season, in which he scored three tries, was excellent. As a j oung player, the experience he would have gained in Tuesday’s trial game, would have been invaluable. At this stage of the season it is