SQUAD OF 22 NAMED

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31083, 11 June 1966, Page 19

SQUAD OF 22 NAMED

Rivals For Rugby XV

The inclusion of three first five-eighths—B. A. Watt, T. L. Mehrtens and W. D. Cottrell —in the Canterbury Rugby squad is a clear indication that the selectors (Messrs G. T. Nolan and R. H. Duff) are still undecided on who could best fill the position. Of the three, Mehrtens is the only one who has not previously represented Canterbury A. He was a junior All Black last season.

Another position which apparently remains in doubt is half-back, as both W. Flewellyn and L. J. Davis are included in the 22-strong squad. Davis has been the regular Canterbury half-back in recent seasons.

Flewellyn, his early Rugby career punctuated with injury’, is now playing excellent football. Some sound performances behind the scrum for Canterbury B last season no doubt earned him this chance.

Apart from Flewellyn and Mehrtens, the only other players who have not represented Canterbury A are the New Brighton forward, K. Tanner, and the 6ft sin Lincoln College lock, A. J. Banks. The squad will have its first run at Rugby Park on Sunday. Canterbury’s first provincial match will be against Wellington at Lancaster Park on July 2.

The squad, announced yesterday, is:—

Backs —W. F. McCormick (Linwood), W. M. Birtwistle (Christchurch). A. G. Steele iH.5.0.8). D. A. Arnold (Christchurch). P K. Hatchwel! (H. 5.0.8. T. L. Mehrtens (H. 5.0.8. W. D. Cottrell (Suburbs), B. A. Watt (Christchurch). L. .1, Davis (Suburbs), W. Flewellyn (Albion).

Forwards.—K. Tanner (New Brighton), A. J. Hopkinson • Cheviot), J. F. Baird (Christchurch), J. N. Creighton (University A), D. G. Pirie (Meri-vale-Papanui). A. J. Banks • Lincoln College), M. Millar (H. 5.0.8. J. Francis (Hawarden), N. G. Cornelius (Amberley). A. J. Wyllie (Glenmark), I. H. Penrose (New Brighton), R. Wainohu (Christchurch).