OPENING GAME

Southland Times, Issue 21088, 21 May 1930, Page 6

OPENING GAME

BRITISH RUGBY TEAM MATCH AT WANGANUI TO-DAY ERRATIC HANDLING AT PRACTICE (Special to the Times.) Wanganui, May 20. In a final-practice before the opening match, the British footballers to-day arrayed the chosen side against the remaining players, with three men in the - front row as chosen going down against two opposing hookers to get experience of hooking against the New Zealand formation. As the British pack selected averages 14st 2, against Wanganui’s 12st 13, the British should have no difficulty in giving the backs plenty of ball. Observations at all practices to date do not, however, suggest that the backs will make the best use of such service. While there are many clever individuals, the passing has at times been erratic and the handling, while sometimes brilliant, occasionally crude. In this .morning’s practice, Morley, on the right wing, was impressive with elusive running. Bowcott, at outside half ,ran straight, but gave some shocking passes. He was a shining exception to the general tendency of British insides to crowd their wings. With their great advantage in weight and speed, the British should have no real trouble with Wanganui unless in the closing stages when fitness may tell its tale. Wanganui is very fit and well trained, whereas the British ideas of the rules and regulations a Rugby side in training should observe are palpably different from those observed in New Zealand. If the team hopes to perform creditably, it will have to revise its ideas of training. Thirteen internationals figure in the team versus Wanganui. TILE STAGE SET GROUND ON SOFT SIDE. (Per United Tress Association.) Wanganui, May 20. All is in readiness for the opening match of the British team’s tour to open at Wanganui to-morrow. At the moment the sky is overcast, but shows signs of clearing. The ground is on the soft side and the Britishers and local team are preparing accordingly. The general opinion is that the visitors-are experimenting somewhat so far as the team is concerned, more particularly with regard to Bowcott and Knowles. The probability is that they seek a man to take Spang’s place and so relieve the burden of the tour so far as he is concerned. The Wanganui side has improved since getting together on Monday and according to the manager, Mr Jack Moye, will surprise the public. Arrangements have been made to accommodate just on 40 Pressmen. THE TEST MATCHES. JERSEY’ CONTROVERSY. Wellington, May 20. The N.Z. Rugby Union is still considering the question of colours for the All Blacks in the test matches. Originally it was decided that New Zealand's representatives should wear white jerseys, but since that decision was made, Mr Baxter, the manager of the British team, offered to play his men in white jerseys which offer has reopened the question. A decision will probably be arrived at towards the end of the present week.