FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 7 July 1930, Page 5

FOOTBALL

/ THE CASUALTIES,

BRITAIN’S HALF-BACK

MAY SEND FOR ONE.

(By Telegraph, Per Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, July 7

Britain is now ■ confronted with a serious nah-baoiv problem and reinforcements will probably be sent for, though it is very questionable whether an extra half-back, now badly wanted, can arrive in time to play in New Zealand.

The chief hopes centre in A. T. Young, an English International halfback who is an officer in the Indian Army and apart from the difficulty of getting leave at this critical time, could only get here in time for the fourth test, if steamer connections from India were favourable. Even if unavailable for New Zealand, however, he would bo most useful in Australia, while there is an additional match to be played at/ Colombo on the way home, though that engagement will not need to be taken very ssriouslj. If Young is not available some other half-back may be sent for, In the meantime the future formation of the British backs for important matches will depend, largely on the success of the experiment to be made on Wednesday when Spong will play behind the scrum with Bowoott fly-half and Jones-Davios filling the gap In the three-quarter line. Spong has played scrum-half before, but not for a long time and never in big company.

The only other change in the British team for Wednesday is that Kendrow replaces Row in the front row.

' The team fdr the Maori match is therefore virtually a test side. Murray spent Saturday night in Lewisham Hospital, but was discharged yesterday and will continue to travel with the team, though it is unlikely he will participate in further matches.

In Jennings and Murray the team now has two men with arms in slings, but Jennings’ shoulder is improving ,so rapidly, that he will soon dispense with a sling.

Of the other casualty causes Reeve and Hodgson will probably be fit by Saturday, but Sobey cannot yet attempt training.

THIRD TEST TEAM.

FOUR CHANCES PROBABLE.

CHRISTCHURCH, July 7

The New Zealand team for the Third Test is not likely to be announced till next Monday, although some players have already been chosen as certainties. ■

At least four changes are saicl to he contemplated. The selectors will attend the Maori match at Wellington on Wednesday, keeping an eye on likely players. It is believed that as a result of injuries to So bey and Murray, the British manager has cabled to India reqijesting that H. T. Young, a former English international half be granted leave to join the British team for the Australian tour.