GIANTS OF THE FERN LEAF ARE THEY

NZ Truth, Issue 1141, 13 October 1927, Page 12

GIANTS OF THE FERN LEAF ARE THEY

WEIGHT AND SPEED OUTSTANDING FEATURES

Cream of New Zealand's Rugby Talent To Tour South Africa In April

THE few surprises sprung by the official selectors works out to their

credit, and the big six deserve much praise for the manner m which they have accomplished an onerous task.

Chairman of Selectors T. McKenzie and one of the best practical judges of Rugger m the Dominion has declared that m his opinion the game is at a high standard, and- that never before m the history of the game m this country have we had such a wealth of highclass forwards.

He also makes the big statement that the forwards chosen to go to South Africa as a team are the finest side that has ever left the Dominion.

It has been expected that from some quarters a squeal would be forthcoming about not getting sufficient representation, but it is satisfactory to comment on the fact that rarely have selectors announced a team that has met with such whole-hearted approval.

The 1928 All Blacks should be capable of making football history for they are indeed a great side. They are to leave these shores about the middle of April next year, and from now till then, it is the duty of each selected man to see to it that he keeps himself m the best of physical condition.

They should realize the importance attached to their mission and that the New Zealand Union has decided each player shall undergo medical examination.

After having witnessed all the trial games "N.Z. Truth" is quite m accord with the sentiments expressed by McKenzie respecting the talent amongst the chosen forwards.

Here we have a combination of weight, height and speed that should mould into a driving force capable of causing the mighty Springboks to do some deep and serious thinking before the tour terminates. In the line-outs we should reap the advantage because of the number of six-footers who will line up. The weight m the scrum will be evenly balanced and, these heavy men all being fleet of foot, the loose rushes will be interesting. The backs promise to develop into a brilliant, combination and as the tour progresses the necessary combination will be acquired, players getting to understand the peculiarities m each other's styles. And who are the chosen ones ana what are their qualities? The trial games have afforded "Truth" an opportunity to sum up the merits of the twenty-nine chosen.

REAR DIVISION

H. Lilburne (Canterbury), 11st. 12lbs. — One of the most serious worries the selectors had was to find a man capable of taking over the important position of full-back. Several were tried out, but it was left to Lilburne to convince.

The Canterbury man proved himself and, whilst he may not blossom as a Nepia or a Billy Wallace, he will justify himself and the, selectors. His tackling is going to mean much to the All Blacks.

His kicking is powerful and welljudged. Lilburne should retui'n a worthy successor to the army of outstanding full-backs who have represented the Dominion m the past. B. Grenside (Hawkes Bay), 13st. 4lbs. — Bert Grenside knocked at the door for the 1924 tour. His inclusion m the

1928 All Blacks m the three-quarter line was a certainty from the outset. A great and powerful runner is Grenside.

"Truth" picks the Bay winger to be one of the most prolific scorers during the tour. When goal -kickers are off color the captain will call on Grenside for he can put them across.

A. C. C. Robilliard (Canterbury), 11st. 12lbs — In the North-South match Robilliard settled any doubts there may have been as to his right to gain a place. He is playing better than over m his career, and can be relied upon to stand up to the fast men the South Africans play on the wings. He is a keen tackier and a good kick.

F. W. Lucas (Auckland), I.lst. 6lbs.— Fred Lucas is one of the brainiest wingers m New Zealand to-day. He gave proof of this m his one appearance m Wellington this season. Lucas is not bound up m the orthodox style of scoring on the wing.

With Bert Cooke he specializes m in-passing. A quick swerve to» wards the centre of the field is a strong point m the Aucklander's method of attack. With Grenside or Robilliard on one wing and Lucas on the other what more could be desired?

C. A. Rushbrook (Wellington), 12st. 3lbs.— -Great wisdom was displayed by the selectors m giving the young Wellingtonian this wonderful opportunity to rise to something above ordinary interprovincial football. Rushbrook promises to be an All Black In every sense of the word."

He has plaj'ed m the most convincing manner. Wellington fans who have witnessed the rapid advancement made by "Rushy" will follow his career with the greatest possible interest.

When m possession of the ball Rushbrook displays all the determination that a scoring man should exhibit. In

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Wellington Representative.) THOUSANDS of amateur selectors made attempts to sort out the twenty-nine All Blacks who would be entrusted with the task of bringing to the Dominion next year the emblem of world's supremacy m Rugby.

the final trial his dashing bursts for the line put the seal on his selection.

D. Lindsay (Otago), 13st. — Lindsay, owing to sickness, had not the chance of displaying his qualities m the final trials. He made his impression m the Possibles v. Probables played m Christchurch.

Lindsay has been a strong man m the Dunedin University team, but he learnt his football at the Timaru High School. He is only 21 years of age.

As a. five-eighths with the Otago travelling team he impressed m Wellington. Deadly tackling and vigorous kicking are strong points carried by the Otago man.

He will be played as centre during the tour, but he can fill any of the back positions with credit. Lindsay will register many points as a goal-kicker.

T. R. Sheen (Auckland), 11st. — Sheen failed to make a decent showing m any of the trial games and many were surprised when his name appeared amongst the . elect. The Aucklander may have been off color, but the selectors, knowing what he is capable of doing when at his best, have given him his chance.

Sheen is the goods all right and "Truth" picks him to be one of the strongest backs m the team.

N. P. McGregor (Canterbury), 11st.— McGregor quickly found his place m the team, his form at present being brilliant. Mac. knows his work well. . His strong '

point, is attack and there is no sturdier defensive player m the team. He has learnt to combine well with Dalley and it is a rare thing to see Mac. failing to draw the defense and get his outside men away.

Mark Nicholls (Wellington), 11st. 7lbs. — There is quite a division of opinion as to Mark's right for a place m the team. He has not given anything m the nature of the form expected of an All Black, and it is reported he is far from being sound.

"Truth" is with the selectors m including Nicholls m the twentynine. Six months' spell will give him a chance to get well. He is only 25 years of age and his football days are far from being finished.

As a general and master of tactics Nicholls is worth his place. Let his southern critics remember the rejoicing there was m England amongst the 1924 All Blacks when ut the lsist moment the news was given out thut. the doctors had consented to Mark taking the field m the Test against England.

Until that news came out the New Zealanders were very glum. He will be wanted m South Afrida.

A. Strang (South Canterbury), 11st. 11b. — String's inclusion came as a surprise for he had given nothing but ordinary displays m the trials. Still, lie is a versatile player having had experience m all positions outside the forwards.

He is a good goal-kicker ana pos>-

The Vanguard

In attack he loses

sesses a fine burst of speed. Youth is on his side and the trip will see Mm develop. A. E. Cooke (Wairarapa), 10st. 12lbs. — Bert Cooke is regarded as the best back m the team and there is reason for conferring this title on him. As a five-eighths he has not his equal.

His sdnse of anticipation is most uncanny and this attribute will work out to New Zealand's advantage m the big test games next ' year.

L. M. Johnson (Wellington), 12st.— Lance Johnson's inclusion m the team did not come as a surprise, for he has gradually worked his way to the front. He was one of the best five-eighths seen out m the trial games. •

The trip through South Africa should see the Wellington man blossom into a star All Black. He is a glutton for defensive work and has a nice style of swervy running that is more than useful when on the attack.

W. C. Dalley (Canterbury), lOst. 10lbs. — Bill Dalley, prior to the departure of the 1924 All Blacks, played out of the bag on Athletic Park. He repeated this performance m the North v. South match this season and the selectors could not go past him.

He will be the first choice for the' half position during the tour but, nevertheless, "Truth" expresses the opinion that Kilby will be the Jimmy Mill m the te.am. Da Hey is a great defensive player.

a certain amount of time through being unable to work m the one-action movement m sending the ball away from the scrum. He is also weak with the left-foot kicking.

F. D. Kilby (Wellington), lOst. 7lbs. — Frank Kilby is going much higher m the game of Rugger than most people imagine. He possesses all the qualities for a half, being game, brainy, and quick of action.

Unlike Dalley, he can get the ball out with the one action and he can kick with either foot. In fact, there are few m the team who can display better judgment m linekicking.

Kilby will return to New Zealand as a half who will be reckoned amongst the stars of the past.

The fourteen forwards are stalwarts indeed. A greater combination It would' be difficult to muster.

I. H. Harvey (Wairarapa), 15st. 12lbs. — Harvey will be the lock for scrum work and is the heaviest man m the team. When away with the 1924 All Blacks he did not enjoy a. full measure of health, consequently he was not seen at his best.

He is a forward of considerable merit who will make his presence felt against the big Springboks. He is a dangerous man when anywhere within striking distance of scoring.

Very fast when out m the loose, he takes stopping.

M. Brownile (Hawkes Bay), 14st. 6lbs. — "Morry" Brownlie is one of the best forwards m the world to-day. He is the man the South Africans are

anxious to see on their own soil. Few can equal him m line-out work and he is capable of joining m with the backs m passing movements.

"Morry" Brownlie should De chosen as leader of the 1928 All Blacks. He is popular with his mates and that is a big asset for a leader on such an extended tour.

Cyril Brownlie (Hawkes Bay), 14st. 7lbs. — Cyril, the elder of the two Brownlie brothers, is also one of our best forwards. He is a tower of strength m line-outs and can muster a good speed m the loose. He requires to be spurred on to be seen aj. his best. His best game this season was m the famous Wairarapa match when his brother had received orders to leave the field.

It was then Cyril put on a spurt and equalled any two men on the field. He will play his part well m South Africa.

Ron. Stewart (South Canterbury), 15st. 11b. — The best forward from the South Island is undoubtedly Ron. Stewart. He carries his weight with ease, tackling and long, accurate linekicking being his strongest points.

G. Scrimshaw (Canterbury), 11st. 11 lbs. — Scrimshaw has become famous as being the man who upset Cliff. Porter's prospects of getting into the team as wing-forward. "Truth" is prepared to admit that Scrimshaw will advance rapidly m this, the worst position m the team, but it is not prepared to admit that the Canterbury man is, at the present time, the equal of Porter. He has, as a matter of fact, much

to learn before he can be classed

as a wing-forward above the or-

dinary. "Scrimmy" should be a good scoring man as he has an abundance of speed. I. Finlayson (North Auckland), 15st. 4lbs. — Finlayson is going to make a name during the big tour. He. will be seen at his best on the hard grounds over there. For a big man he has wonderful speed. He is a deadly tackier and a great man m the line-out. There was never any doubt about him winning a place m the team. J. Swain (Hawkes Bay), 13st. 2lbs. — As a hooker Jack Swain won a place m the team. His selection us a certainty was very popular for Jack is a gentleman both on and off the playing area.

He promises to be a prolific scorer for the very reason that he makes a habit of keeping up with the play. His three tries m the North v. South match proved this. J. Hore (Otago), 13st. — Hore proved himself throughout the season, and m the North v. South match he showed that he would have to be considered. He will improve as the trip progresses.

He makes great use of his weight m Jill forward efforts, but it is m the tight work that he shines. As a hooker he lias few equals and, with Swain as a mate, our backs should see plenty of the ball.

J. T. Burrows (Canterbury), 12st. Blbs. — Burrows did nothing to enthuse over m the trial games, but he nas proved himself m Canterbury as a player well above the ordinary. He is a great hooker and a fine stamp of player generally.

S. Hadley (Auckland), 12st. 6lbs.— Hadley has jumped to the front quickly as a player of merit and one who has yet to be seen to better advantage.. He is another player who will have to take a place m the front row of the scrum, for hooking is his forte.

G. Alley (Canterbury), 15st. 6lbs.—

Alley is one of the big men of the team. Many consider Conrad is the man who should have had a place before Alley. Still, he is there and he is the type wanted for the hard arguments the Canterbury man glories m.

One would like to see him buck up a little and keep nearer to the play. The games m South Africa will be played at a fast clip and a slow man will only be a handicap.

R. McWilliams (Auckland), 14st.— McWilliams won his spurs m fine style. His inclusion m the trial games surprised some would-be critics m Auckland where they claimed they possessed the whole All Black team, lock, stock and barrel.

McWilliams turned out to be one of the best forwards seen m the trial matches. He is very fast and there is no question about his general playing ability.

His goal-kicking brought him still further into favor m the trial games. McWilliams will now be regarded as Auckland's leading forward.

P. Ward (Taranaki), 14st. lOlbs.— Taranaki's one and only representative is a rattling good forward who will be of considerable assistance m South Africa. He is a hustler all the time.

Alley could learn a lesson from Ward about keeping up with the play, for this is one of the strongest . points m the Taranaki's man's favor.

E. Snow (Nelson), 13st. 7lbs.— Snow is the first to represent Nelson for a long time. He did nothing very impressive throughout the trials, but apparently he has satisfied the selectors and that fact is enough for "Truth."

Snow is a trier all the time, but whether or not he is going to improve remains to be seen.

W. Hazlett (Southland), 14st. 10lbs.— Southland" has managed to get representation, and that by a man who should do them credit. Hazlett will be a much improved man after a few outings with the Brownlies and Finlayson.