FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2134, 7 March 1908, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

BRITISH TEA At FOR NEW ZEALAND. United Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Alarch 5. The Rugby Union team for New Zealand numbers 28 players, includin'* eight international players, A. F.” Harding (Middlesex) and J. AlcEvody (Rent) are vice-captains, George ilannnot is manager. WELLINGTON, Alarch 6. Discussing tho proposal of tho Otago Rugby Union that three test matches be played against the .British team, O. Nixon, chairman ot the executive committee, -states that tins question of playing more than one test was considered when tho itinerary was drawn up. 'The principle objection to nlaving more than one match was that valuable players who could obtain leave from their employers to visit Wellington for 0110 test match might not be able to obtain the necessary leave for say three matches in three different ‘centres. The absence of a player from his work on three occasions might seriously, inconvenience an employer, ami it also had to bo remembered that 110 allowance was made to a player by the Union for loss of wages. He felt sure employers would readily allow extended leave for one match, in which event the team would be able to practice together in Wellington for some days prior to the contest. He felt confident that the executive’s decision was a proper one. THE TEAM. United Press Association —Copyright (Received March 6, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, Alarch 6. The team for New Zealand is:— Backs: Dyke (Glamorgan), Jacket!(Cornwall). Three-quarters: It. Gibbs, J. L. Williams (Glamorganshire), Griffiths, Jones (Monmouthshire), AlcEvedy, Jones (Kent), Chapman (Durham), Vassal! (Somersetshire). Halves: Davey (Cornwall), Laxon (Alidlands), W. Morgan (Kent), G. Williams (Lancashire). Forwards: Archer, Dibble, Down, Dyko (Somersetshire), R. Green, E. Alorgan, L. Thomas (Glamorgan), W. Oldham (Alidlands), Ritson (Northumberland), Jackson (Cornwall), J. F. Williams, Harding (Aliddlescx), A\ ilson (Cumberland), and another. The team is considered to bo fairly representative, and will probably return via Australia and Canada.