FREAK FORMATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 376, 9 June 1928, Page 1

FREAK FORMATION

CAN ALL BLACKS WIN? FIRST MATCH AT ELLIS PARK With Stewart playing a lonehanded part in a one-man back row, the All Blacks are playing a formation that can only be described as weird. But they are pursuing a consistent policy in playing the South Africans at their own game. Though Stewart is a back-row man in name, he will probably be a rover in principle. Apparently the rover was looked on with acute disfavour in Capetown, so his identity is to be disguised, though his functions may still be followed. There seems just a danger that Stew’art, planted in front of the half, may interfere with the escape of the ball from the scrum. Doubtless the All Blacks’ selection committee, which consists of the manager, captain, vicecaptain, and two players—and not of only the first three —has considered this awkward possibility.

The team has again been substantially changed, though Hore, the Otago hooker, has still not been given a game, while Finlayson and Stewart, who must be in great buckle, still hold the record of having played in every game. Hore is the only one who has not played in any. The backs this time appear to be polid, rather than individually brilliant, though either wing will be dangerous if given the ball. Many would like to see Lindsay tried at centre, but for the moment he is filling an expected role as reserve fullback, with the distinct possibility that as the tour advances he may become the star performer in that position.

Several of the Transvaal team, including Prinsloo, Devine, Kruger, Pretorius, and Van Druten, are very wellknown in big Rugby. Kruger is none other than our old friend T. L. Kruger, of the 1921 Springboks, who is considered one of the foremost front-row men in the Union. Van Druten, a doctor, whose football and physique have been likened to those of M. Brownlie, is one of the few who played in all four tests against Cove Smith’s English team in 1924, and he appears to be a tip-top forward of the roving, freelance type.

“ Dauncey ** Devine, behind the

scrum, is a celebrated exponent of the dive pass. He and Osier seem the most likely candidates for the African test teams. Devine won his international colours against the English team in 1924.

With the South Africans packing a 3-2-3 scrum, the honours as to weight should be about even. Undoubtedly, with such forwards as those mentioned, plus Pretorius and Oliver, of the Dinggers’ Club, and a good thrfeequarter line headed by Dobie, the Harlequin flyer, and Prinsloo, the Transvaal side sounds formidable.

The All Blacks will be playing at the extremely high elevation of 5,735 feet, 1,300 feet more than the altitude of Kimberley, where the last match was played. Ellis Park, the new Johannesburg Rugby ground, was specially built for this occasion. Big matches were formerly played at the historic field of the Wanderers’ Athletic Club.

[An article discussing scrum formations and the tactics of the All Blacks appears on page 7.3