RUGBY FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1932, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE ALL BLACKS

THE FORTHCOMING TESTS

SYDNEY, June 15

Great interest is being displayed m the forthcoming tour ot Australia ot the All Blacks, and while the crowd at the Test in Sydney is unlikely to approach that which saw the Rugby League Test between England and Australia, the New Zealanders are bound to prove a great attraction. It is still recognised in Sydney at any rate, that New Zealand is the real ■home of true Rugby. The New Zealanders are always looked to to provide a sparkling display, and they have 11 seldom disappointed. Already local critics are proclaiming this year’s team as one of the heist that has ever left New Zealand, and Australia is being urged to be well prepared: 1 ’ The advisability of selecting the Australian team early enough to allow for proper training and the development of combination, has been emphasised, and it is feared in some quarters that with five selectors, the methods are a little cumbersome.

- So many of the older Rugby players Tn New South Wales have retired that it-is "unlikely that the State team will be as strong as it was last year or the year before. New South Vales ha* had victories over Queensland and Victoria, hut the form lias not been encouraging. The proportion of young players is too great and there is need for -a seasoning of experience. itoss,f at full back,' seems to have lost so lire of his dash-'but last Saturday lie displayed better Form and it is hoped that he will reach, his top by the time the New Zealanders arrive. The fiveeight line will give, the selectors some concern, and there is no one who c-an approach the brilliant T. Lawton, well known, to .New Zealand players. King is probably, the outstanding player, and it is generally regretted that the wingers are so weak this year. It is recognised that pace is necessary in order to press the All Blacks, and this seems to be lacking in any of the men who are likely to be chosen for New South., Wales.

The, weaknesses that will be apparent in the New South Wales team will be absent from the Test team. This will be .a,, really powerful combination, and New • Zealand will have to be at its very,best to win the rubber. The Australian team will contain representatives of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, and it is of special interest' to that the Victorian team this year is stronger than ever. Victoria has been in the doldrums of Rugby for years now, but the Victorian team proved a surprise packet when it met New South Wales ia fortnight ago. It .would appear as though pfipply -ac least . two of the forwards. 'ipTowper, as centre,,.is oue of the Rugby players in Australia to-klav. -He used to play Lor Newington (Sydney) School, and :went. South about four years ago. His migration- to-Rngey -in Victoria. Queensland will probably supply about five members of the :Test team.

It i,s asked here whether there will be a- goal-kicker in the New Zealand •team of the 'calibre of R. G. Bush, who was'here with the New Zealand Universities’ team last year. I lie appearance of' G. F, Hart is being anxiously awaited, and the crowd will certainly be disappointed if lie does not display the speed with which lie is credited. - Ross and Malcolm, two New 'Smith- Wales representatives, describe him as a wonderful footballer. L'ilburiie is' welcomed as captain, and it is thought that lie should be ideal in that • responsible position. "Ilie welcome 'that will be accorded him, however, will be as nothing compared witli that which will be extended to the mariagri,.;W. J. Wallace. No appointment could have been more popular or roused greater interest. His feats oii tlie, football field are well remembered, and he can be assured of a rousing cheer whenever be appears among the Rugby enthusiasts. it is of interest to note that there is a select little band of ,-ix who have

represented both New Zealand and Australia on the Rugby field. These are: —-F. Surinan,- X.S.W.. 1884 and New Zealand 1896; W. Hardcastle. N.Z. 1897 and N.S.AY., 1908; T. Pauling. N.Z. 1806, and N.S.W.. 1898; 11. Y. (now Sir) lb-addon, N.Z. 188-1, and X.S.W., 18,88; .1. O’Donnell, N.Z. 1884, 1905 [and 1907, -and N.S.W. 1908. T, Pauling, who was New South Wales' 'most prominent referee from 1902 to 1908 controlled more representative'fixtures iii this country than any other official. Sir Henry Braddon. raise to the presidency of tlie New South Wales Union.