STRONGEST SIDE

Southland Times, Issue 21099, 3 June 1930, Page 8

STRONGEST SIDE

BRITISH FOOTBALLERS TEAM TO PLAY WELLINGTON INTENSE INTEREST IN TO-DAY’S MATCH (Special Representative—Copyright.) Wellington, Juno 2. The British team to play Wellington tomorrow is:— Full-back: J. Bassett. Three-quarters: J. Morley, C. D. Aarvold, 11. M. Bowcott, A. L. Novis. Half-backs: R. Spong, T. P. Murray. Forwards: H. O’Neill, D. Parker, D. A. Kendrew, B. Black, J. McD. Hodgson, I". D. Prentice, G.B. Beamish, Ivor-Jones. Realizing that the Wellington match is equivalent to a minor test, the British have selected the strongest side to date, in which the only non-International is Hodgson, a strapping young Northumbrian forward whose pace and cleverness should liven up the pack without sacrificing its scrummage power. . Saturday’s front row, which got the best of the Wairarapa hookers, has been retained intact,, while in the back row Prentice goes in instead of Welsh. The threequarter line is the strongest attacking weapon at the team’s command. Both Bowcott and Aarvold having a fine attacking thrust, while Morley and Novis are dangerous wingers. Bassett, making his first appearance, will be watched with interest on account of his reputation as a deadly tackle.

Wellington is straining every effort to check the tourists’ triumphant progress. The team has trained for weeks and spent all day Sunday at Athletic Park under the guidance of Billy Wallace, who has seen the British team play three matches and considers that the blind side and the space between the half and , stand-off half are vulnerable points. With Mark Nicholls generalling the Wellington backs, the game may develop into a battle of tactics, but opinion will slightly favour Britain on account of its meritorious performance. Interest in the game is tremendous, 30,000 being expected.

HALF-TIME SPELL

PLAYERS MUST NOT LEAVE FIELD,

(Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, June 2

In future no team will leave the field at half time in matches against the touring British Rugby team.

This Was one of the decisions arrived at by the New Zealand Rugby Union to-night, at a meeting at which Mr. James Baxter, manager of the British team, was in attendance. All unions are to be circularized asking them to conform to this decision which was arrived at in accordance with the ruling of the International Board, coming effect in July, 1926. Another important decision was that to abide by the English interpretation of the pass forward, whereby the referees ruling and penalty is imposed on the initial infringement. Mr. Baxter agreed to play a match against Nelson —Marlborough—Golden Bay at Blenheim on Tuesday, August 12. This match was originally set down to be played at Nelson on August 13. The following Australian itinerary was approved by Mr. Baxter. — August 23, v. New South Wales at Sydney.

August 27, v. Queensland at Brisbane. August 30.—v. Australian fifteen at Brisbane.

September 6. —Test match v. Australia, at Sydney. September 10.—v. Country districts, location indefinite.

September 13.—v. Victoria at Melbourne. This itinerary necessitates the exclusion of one match.