NOTES ON RUGBY AND RUGBY PLAYERS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 222, 13 May 1932, Page 6

NOTES ON RUGBY AND RUGBY PLAYERS

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An indication that Rugby will return to the popularity that it once ■enjoyed in Rotorua, was clearly given by the large crowd that turned out at Arawa Park last Saturday. The class of football provided was above the average j^or so early in the season and although no outstanding performances were recorded it is obvious that a first-class representative side can be built up from the material offering. Scrum formation is a leading topic „in rugby circles to-day and a glaring feature of Saturday's play was the different and indifferent formation indulged in in both the senior and the junior matches. Although the three-two-three scrum is as popular in some districts as the. 10 per cent. cut, the writer favours this method of scrum work and naaintains that properly formed it permits of the fastest and cleanest hooking of the ball. However, the advantages of the three-two-three in comparison with other formations will be fully dealt with in this column later. One point the writer wishes to emphasise is the advisibility of adopting one style of formation in club competitions so that when a representative pack is picked those players will be fully conversant with their positions, thereby assuring a strong, compact scrum. Too much individualism and not enough combined work has lost many a match and this is what happened to Kahukura seniors on Saturday when they finished at the wrong "il of a 13-3. decision against Whaka. T. Thompson, half-back for Whaka seniors, gave the hest display on the field, both in attack and defence and two scoring movements resulted L his fine openings. Sullivan (Waiariki's custodian of last season) played a sound game on the wing for Whaka, but at full-back his chances for rep. selection would be greater.

By the way the Whaka backs crowded themselves out on the line, spoiling many a good passing movement, it is obvious that they have never heard of the "in pass." A little coaching in this department will greatly improve their scoring chances. One of the fastest and fittest forwards playing this season is J. Archer, of Kahukura. Prior to his receiving a hump on Saturday he was always on the ball and in the thick of scrummages with the opposing pack. That a good place-kicker would have added points to Kahukura's score is certain, judging from the frselcicks that came their way. Although sound in defence, N Steele at half will not feed his fiveeighths enough, but will persist in selling a dummy, which only leaves him unsupported and usually lands him in trouble. Ati Keepa's' return to football is welcomed by many supporters and on his showing on Saturday he can still show some of the younger players some tricks.