All Blacks' Manager At Work Already

Chronicle (Levin), 27 January 1949, Page 6

All Blacks' Manager At Work Already

AUCKLAND, Jau. 261 "Tonight is .probably the beginning of the tour for you fellows, " said Mr. J. H. Parker, manager of the 1949 All Black team to tour South Africa, when he met Auckland members of the team tonight. Mr. Parker, who is on a business tour through the Dominion, intends to discuss preliminary training, assembly and travelling arrangements with every member of the team before tlie players assemble in Wellington to embark for South Africa. The importance of each player doing his best to get propcrly fit before the team leaves, was .stressed by Mr. Parker who urged each man to play in club matches if he has the opportunity. ■ The practice of individual skills by the backs and forwards, was recommended by Mr. Parker. To Cliristian and Simpson, two front row forwards, Mr. Parker made the request that they practice hooking so that either might lili that position should a hooker have to leave the field because of injury and not be able to be replaeed under the South Afriean rules. Each member of the team will be supplied with a blazer whether or irot he has been awarded one previously and otlier clothing. Everyday wear will include two pairs of slaeks, two ties, black with a thin white stripe,

and a slipon pullover. Plaving equipuient provided will include four jerseys, three pairs of sliorts and stockings, a pair of boots and a roll neck training sweater. I11 addition the team will take a special set of 15 jerseys, shorts and stockings for use in the test matches and 24 spares each of jerseys, shorts and stockings.