SOUTHLAND SELECTION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 25, 29 July 1939, Page 23

SOUTHLAND SELECTION

FLEMING AS FULL-BACK

In comment on the - Southland selection for the Ranfurly Shield match with Otago the "Southland Times" states:

The team will be generally accepted as the strongest combination available in the province. Its solidity appeals more than anything else. The only surprise selections are those of J. W. Fleming, the fullrback, and A. R. Marshall, the back-row man of the serum. Incidentally, they are the new ''caps" of the team, all of the others

having already represented Southland. Fleming has had considerable experience in big football and he has represented Wellington as a full-back, so that although his play has not been particularly outstanding in recent games he may be expected to play well in the position/ He kicks with either foot and he has a good knowledge of positional play, a big factor in the make-up of any successful full-back. In one or two recent games his tackling has not been of the highest standard, but those lapses may be excused on the grounds that he has been playing when he had not recovered from injury. The selectors apparently have satisfied themselves that he is sound, both physically and in full-back play. He should gain confidence in the knowledge that he will be playing behind a strong team. Marshall is one of the younger forwards who have made good progress in the last two seasons. The other members of the team virtually picked themselves. After the exhibition of inside back play given hy C. K. Saxton and M. P. Grace in conjunction with J. W. Purdue (halfback) it was taken for granted that the selectors would adhere to that combination. It will not be the first time that Southland has been represented by two or more half-backs in the positions nearest the scrum. The 1935 Southland touring team played three half-backs (G. McLennan, J. W. Purdue, and G. P. Thomas) in a row. That combination was a successful one. The adoption of the new inside back combination enabled the selectors to strengthen the wing positions by shifting A. G. Sutherland from the second Or centre position to right wing. R. G. Mahony and Sutherland are playing so well just now that they should serve Southland well on the wings. A. W. Wesney was a popular choice for full-back when it was realised that none of the three full-backs under consideration was up to expectations. But it is clear from the selection that the selectors were anxious to have a proved man in a position to mark N. A. Mitchell, about whose ability at centre Southlanders have no doubts. Wesney will be played opposite Mitchell. They are former clubmates and their duel promises to be one of the high lights of the game.