TWO NEW CAPS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31108, 11 July 1966, Page 3

TWO NEW CAPS

(By I. J. D. HALL)

Two new caps, the Canterbury wing and New Zealand sprint champion, A. G. Steel, and the Southland prop, E. J. Hazlett, have been selected for the New Zealand team to play the British Isles in the first test at Dunedin next Saturday.

The team is:— M. W. Williment (Wellington).

A. G. Steel (Canterbury), R. E. Rangi (Auckland), I. S. T. Smith (North Otago). I. R. Macrae (Hawke’s Bay). M. A. Herewini (Auckland). C. R. Laidlaw (Otago). B. J. Lochore (Wairarapa).

W. J. Nathan (Auckland), C. E. Meads, S. T. Meads (King Country), K. R. Tremain (Hawke's Bay). E. J. Hazlett (Southland), B. E. McLeod (Counties), K. F. Gray Wellington). Emergencies.—Backs: L. J. Davis (Canterbury), G. F. Kember (Wellington). Forwards: J. Major (Taranaki), P. E. Scott (Bay of Plenty). NO SURPRISES The selectors —Messrs F. R. Allen (chairman), V. L. George and D. L. Christian — have not produced any surprises and, in the main, have relied on the players who helped win the test series against the Springboks last year. However, by selecting Nathan ahead of R. J. Conway they seem to have left the team without a specialist player at the end of the lineout.

the burly Bay of Plenty prop, P. E. Scott. Hazlett probably will be played at No. 4 in the line-out —the blocking position —which is rather a waste of his skilful line-out jumping. Hazlett’s selection gave Southland its first All Black since 1960 and also he is the first South Island forward to have gained a test place since 1964. SELECTORS ERRED Although Nathan is a very line flanker it does seem that the selectors have erred in not choosing Conway. Nathan has not been over-impressive at the end of the line-out and this is such a key position that it may bring some problems to the All Blacks. Also Nathan has not Conway’s ability to disrupt a backline. The emergencies provided

what surprises there were. The selection of Kember ahead of B. A. Watt and E. W. Kirton as the emergency fiveeighths is hard to understand. Kember has played quite well this season, and it may be that the selectors are taking this chance of letting him sniff the test air: he has not the competence of Watt and Kirton. Major, the Taranaki hooker, lost five tight heads when Taranaki played the Lions and his selection suggests that New Zealand is not well off for quick hookers. Davis, the young Canterbury half-back, has had his consistently good play for the last two years recognised by his selection as emergency. It would seem now that he and Kember are certain to be in the New Zealand Juniors team that plays the Lions.

Steel probably gained his place when the other Canterbury wing, W. M. Birtwistle, was not available because of injury. Since playing for Canterbury last season, Steel has shown steady improvement. Possibly his play as yet lacks the all-round skill of an international wing, but his great speed will be a major asset for the All Blacks. McCORMICK UNLUCKY The selection of Williment obviously was based on his goal-kicking ability, and there must be some sympathy for W. F. McCormick, whose general play has been slightly better than Williment’s this season.

Hazlett’s great performance against the Lions, when he led the Southland pack so well, must have tipped the scales in his favour against