IMPROVED TEAM

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 405, 13 July 1928, Page 1

IMPROVED TEAM

BACKS SPEEDED UP DEVINE’S INCLUSION Apparently the South African selectors are well satisfied with the performance of their test team. Only three changes have been made in the personnel of the side to meet New Zealand in the second test to-morrow week, and these are in the backs. In the ability of the forwards to once again get a “strangle-hold” on the All Black forwards apparently they have every confidence. The cable message announcing the selection of the team is particularly interesting in that it is now revealed, rather late in the day, that the noninclusion of Dauncey Devine in the first tes: side was due to his inability to play. In view of the excellent football this player was reported to have been playing, the selection of De Villiers came as a surprise to most of the New Zealand critics. Devine not only varies his play much more than De Villiers, but also sends out long, flashing passes, which, enabling the fly-half to stand deep and w'ell away from the opposing forwards, are very much appreciated by the Bennie Osier type. Associated with Devine, Osier’s penchant for i>otting goals will again cause our men some concern. In the threequarter line. Van der Westhuizen has replaced Duflfey. and Tod has taken Prinsloo’s place on the wing. Tod, Natal’s right-wing, is reported to be a player of great possibilities, although in the Natal match he did not appear to shine. He is reputed to be the fastest wing in South Africa, and a sure tackier. Prinsloo. on the other hand, is not fast, relying more on a baffling feint and a sidestep to penetrate the opposition rather than speed. Apparently the team has been speeded-up. and with the superior combination it should now hast*. it will provide the All Blacks with a very tough proposition to overcome.