FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7867, 8 July 1905, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

NEW ZEALAND "REPS," IN SYDNEY* (Received July 7, 10.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 7. The New Zealand Rugby football team arrived by ,the steamer Victoria this afternoon. The team, who appear to be in good form, were met by a large crowd, and accorded a hearty welcome. The visitors' team for (he match against New South Wales to-morrow is : Back, Gillet; three-quarters, Wallace, Smith, McGregor ; fiveeighths, Hunter, Mynott; half, Roberts ; forwards, Casey, Glasgow, Corbeit, Nicholson, Johnstone, Glenn, O'Sullivan and Seeling.

THIS APPOINTMENT OF A OOACH.

THE UNION'S DEFENCE. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 7. At a iuti'iing oi lite .v.'W iiCiiuiid Rugby linion to-night it was decided to place the Union's views in regard to the appointment oi Duncan, as coacn to the team proceeding to England, before the alliliated Unions. A circular letter to the Unions was accordingly drafted. In this the Union states that an assistant to the manager was, after mature consideration, 'deemed essential. Duncan was asked if lie would be prepared to go as coach subject to the direction and control of the manager in all things, and he consented, which virtually means that Duncan was not only to be coach, but that he will be at the manager's call to assist generally in looking after the interests of members of Hie team, and in any other capacity the manager may di rect. The fact that Duncan can, if it becomes absolutely necessary, don the jersey on occasions, and in some manner made up for the absence of the twenty-fifth player, was also a consideration in making this particular appointment. The committee feel that it is of paramount importance to have some one available to closely observe the tactics of fheic opponents, if necessary by advance visits to various centres, and to advise as to- the introduclion of frequent and effective changes in the style of play to be adopted. The committee feVl that they have chosen the best man available, and they point out the liability they would he .subject to were they to cancel the appointment is such that they cannot accept, and that therefore in the event, of the affiliated Unions deciding that a coach shall not he sent, the committee have no option but to take the decision as a vole of want of confidence, and to leave the responsibility of cancelling the appointment to those who desire to accept it.

The close of the second round leaves honours at Ihis end with Stratford who have come out on top in all three grades. in the first grade the order of the clubs in the Cup competitions is : Stratford, 11 points (6 wins and two draws) ; Stars, 12 (5 wins, one loss two draws) ; Tukapa, 8 (4 wins and i losses) ; Clifton, 6 (3 wins, including a forfeit) ; .Inglcwood, t>. Stars and Tukapa have both put up a good showing all round, while Clifton were no mean opponents. Inglewood's entire failure is rather a surprise after their display in former seasons,

McGec, the Star five-eighth, left for Auckland on Thursday night The team will lose his services for the play-off with Tukapa for the shield