TARANAKI OPINION

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 67, 11 December 1937, Page 17

TARANAKI OPINION

DtCLlNE IN, FORWARD PLAY DIPORTANCE OR COAOHING ■ * ■% Decline in the standard of forward play was mainly responsible for the lower standard of Rugby in Taranaki. This was the -general opinion of the special committee recentiy set up by the Taranaki uniqn to inquire into the game, The meeting, which lasted almost four hours, covered practically all phases of the game. Bqfore the general discussion the Hon. R. Masters, who presaded, described the circumstances which led to the meeting being called. It had been intended .to make the committee as representative as possible and include not only past players but also selectors, coaches, representatives of school Rugby and present players. The meeting was of the opinion ihat there should be a return to Interna-* tional rules. It considered that a better method ' of selection of Taranaki teams woffid be the appointment of a committee of two representatives in. North Taranaki, a similar one in South. Taranaki to choose teams for trial- games and the appointment oi a sole selector by the management committee of the union. The meeting approved of a meeting of coaches -of senior teams to study the 3-4-1 scrum formation and forward tactics generally, the idea being to establish a Taranaki standard of forward tactics and play next season.There was a strong .body .of5 opinion" that there were too many senior teams in Taranaki and it was suggegted that about six districts be formed,' each to have a team selected from. clubs in the district ro play in a new competition of truly aenior standard. It was stated that there waA e. noticeable clumsiness in lower grade play and that was where coaching was required. An improvement would in Ihe senior comneltlintL