RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2193, 4 July 1914, Page 13

RUGBY

.MATCHES FOJt THIS AFTERNOON'. Patrons are promised sonic very koon Ruruv in the second round of the senior championship, which commences tin's afternoon, when nn excellent pa mo should result in the meeting between Wellington and Petone. The former team is second to Athletic in the championship ladder. ■ while Petone on recent form are likely to bo a very hard team to defeat. J. Ryan will lx> absent with the team to Australia, and liis loss will be felt. The team, however, is strengthened by the delusion nfi\V. Ryan in the forwards. The Weiliiißton tenm will be without Francis, but apart from this will be at full strength. On the second ground Melrose meet Athletic. The former team lins been showing up well recently, ami with the champions without Wilson, Roberts and Osborne may make a close game of it. Early games will be played as usual if weather permits. At Petone, Oriental and Ponolce try conclusions.

The' All Black team sailed for Australia by the Mokoia yesterday afternoon. A big crowd gathered at the wharf and gave them a good send-off. In the list of fixtures for the touring team published in our football notes, the second test match is not mentioned. This will bo played at Brisbano on August 1.

At tho Riißby Conference in Sydney, the- delegates will discuss tho Question of ovolvtiiß n sclicmo of international contests. Important results may como of tliis. ns ltucby has a Rreat hold in Knßlnnd, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, and is cWoloping in California, Franco, and Germauy.' Of course, it is unlikelv that any surrcslions now made would embrace all these countries.

Tlio Now Zealand Rugby Union has invitod tlio South African Rugby Union to send a team to Now Zealand next year.