SOUTHLAND PREPARES

NZ Truth, Issue 1290, 28 August 1930, Page 12

SOUTHLAND PREPARES

Rugby Giants From Capital Have No Terrors For Shield -holders WILL BE READY AND WILLING (From "N.Z. Truth's" Invercargill Representative.) Although the Invercargill Club competitions have concluded, ' • members of the Southland Ranfurly Shield team and players m the running for places are not being permitted to run to seed.

HTHERE are still two big games to be * played, and as both may be Shield challenge matches, the maroons are being well kept up to the collar. On Saturday most of the Shield team enjoyed a canter m a seven-a-side tournament, which was won by Pirates, whose number included Bill Hazlett, Charlie Diack, Tommy Metcalf, Bert Geddes and Ron Sharpe, all members of the Ranfurly Shield team. Judging by their pace, dash and fitness, they are not going to be found wanting fagainst Wellington on September 3. Bill Hazlett played as wing threequarter, and displayed surprising pace for a 15 st. man. He is probably the fastest man of his weight playing football m New Zealand to-day, and a good deal faster than many of our rep. three-

quarters. , Billy Stead has been returned to Southland's selection committee, and from what can be learned he will be instrumental m bringing . about several changes m the team which has so far staved off all challenges for the Shield. Billy believes that even winning teams can be improved, and will not hesitate to strengthen up apparent weaknesses.

And as there are glaring weaknesses m the make-up of the Shield side, it is the "Water Tower to a tram shelter that there will be changes m the team to meet Cliff. Porter and Co. . New hookers are wanted, and a rearNew hookers are wanted, and a rearrangement of the inside-backs is necesCharlie Diack has been wasted on the wing and is practically certain to go

centre or second five-eighths, and Dick Webb, the ex-Otago speed merchant, will - probably get a job on the wing. . " The Maroons expect strong opposition from Wellington, but at the same time ' they are not worrying about the reports that Cooke, Nicholls, Porter and other Wellington guns are Coming south after tne Shield. ' » Southern Rugby is inclined to be underestimated by -North Islanders and many an invader has crashed on Southland's own Rugby Park for taking the maroons too cheaply. . . Not only will Southland's pack .nave to be conquered,. but also RugbyPark, which is calculated to give Southland teams a six-points start m any conditions. This ground Is 1 heavy m the finest of weather. Wellington' will require a better-than- ' average all-round side to lift the Shield ' The holders are nothing "brilliant, but - they are' better than solid. '" ' The backs have already shown that they know the shortest route to the try area, and m quick time. As for the forwards, they require little introduction. Southland has always fielded great packs m the past, and to do justice to the present (led by Bill Hazlett), m sunfming it .up, it has to be conceded that it is easily twice as good as any other re- •: presenting province. There are many local supporters pre- *$ pared to say that there are at least | three of the forwards as good as, ff not better than, Hazlett.- -" Wellington dropped the Shield here m ;; 1920, and were surprised. Porter and his ■ men need not be surprised should they fail to take it away m 1930. , '■■ There Is one thing certain. The Wellington-Southland game is going . to be no half-pie try T out for the maroons. ' - - . \ They know it, but they also feel con- ' ;; fident that they can prove m this game ! that the wresting of the Shield fr6m -A Wairarapa at Carterton just a year ago Jwas no fluke. . .'•.*.<