AUCKLAND CAPTAIN

Press, Volume C, Issue 29515, 17 May 1961, Page 22

AUCKLAND CAPTAIN

R. H. Graham Appointed

(NZ. Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 16. R. H. Graham, the captain of the Auckland Ranfurly Shield team last year has been appointed captain of the team for this season even though W. J. Whineray, the All Black captain, is a virtual certainty to play for Auckland. The announcement was made today by Mr F. R. Allen, the Auckland selector. Graham was appointed captain for all the Auckland matches he played last year, and Whineray played under him in the last three matches. Last season Graham was also captain of the New’ Zealand University team which toured Australia, the North Island team, and the Rest team which played the 1960 All Blacks.

Whineray was captain of the New Zealand under 23 team in Japan and became AU Black captain in 1958. Since then he has captained New Zealand in 11 successive tests and was captain for the tour of South Africa last year. "To decide between Whineray and Graham as captain was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.” said Mr Allen. “My task was made easier by Whineray telling me that he thought Graham should be retained as Auckland captain. There again Whineray proved to me what a big man he is and a wonderful sportsman. “He is the All Black captain and I am certain in my own mind that he will lead New Zealand again this year,” Mr Allen said.