FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1928, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

(13 y Telegraph—Per Press Association/*

TEAM FOR AFRICA DUNEDIN, April 2.

At the an mini meeting of the Rugby Union H. Harris said a suggestion had lieon made to send extra players with the team to Africa. There was a feeling that the number of games should Ire limited, and it is understood it was now proposed to play 22 matches. Iho last New Zealand team played 32 matches wiui 20 players. s-> that the team for Africa, which would not play in Australia, would have more players and ton fewer matches. The grounds in Africa were much Ivettcr to-day than they were a few years ago. and were not much harder than those on which New Zealand teams had to play in Australia. The team in Africa would not have to play so many hard matches as a number of people imagined and it was thought it would be found sufficient. pi avers were being sent away. STRENGTH OK ALL BLACKS.

WELLINGTON April 2

A farewell to Air AY. Hornig (manager of the All Blacks) was given by ilie Eastbourne Club on Saturday night. Replying to the toast Mr Hornig said he considered the team a cood-one. but was sorry Cooke was unavailable as it was likely to slow up the team, though there was no reason why one of the young players should not fill bis place. It was n team of stars. The team would have to travel about 0000 miles in Africa including two journeys of thirty-six hours, but Hornig proposed on these occasions to ask the railway to put on a special wagon for the men to train in. and escape boredom. 3 be.' would play on only three dirt grounds. I consider that the New Zealand team is 50 per cent better than in 1021. and the Springboks would have to be 75 per cent better to beat them. Hornig stated the famous Maratalis would be in New Zealand this season and lie would be negotiating for the best possible team while in Sydney.