FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1920, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

IEAOUE AND UNION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, Jan. 27. Mr. Claude Corbett, football critic, commenting on what he terms the belated adoption by the New Zealand Rugby Union of the new. regulations, strongly supports the attempt to put new life into the grand old game, but points out that it }s still necessary to obtain the consent of England, South Africa and Prance to these rules, which will mean long delay, even If the sanction •is forthcoming. Mr. Corbett doubts whether the Union, tinder the new regulations, which are only a colorable adoption of the League game, will be able to regain the ground lost to the League while the Union slept. Referring to the fact that the English League and New Zealand teams will he playing in Australia at the same time, he says there is no room for two bodies contending for big publ'e patronage together, so If the Union intends to enter the right for prestige It will be a case of the survival of the fittest, with the League fully prepared to accept the challenge.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NORTHERN UNION TEAM. London, Jan. 26. The Northern Union has selected for the tour: H. Wagstaff, J. Rogers and D. Clarke (of Huddersfleld), E. W. Jones and 1. Bowers (of 1 the Rochdale Hornets). Jones Is the most brilliant stand-off half-back now playing In England. Wagstaff will captain the team. The selectors' task is moat difficult .owing to the number of mien nominated, including sixty forwards, who require much watching, as never in the history of the Northern Union have there been so many brilliant forwards. W. Batten, the famous Hull three-quarter, was Invited to play in tho trial match, but declined, contending that he ought, to have been chosen outright. Meanwhile difficulty has arisen over the passages. The Intention was that the team should travel by the Orsova, leaving on April 3, but the Union is now informed that the Commonwealth lias commandeered all accommodation, and the Union has been requested to wait.for a new boat leaving on the 14th. The committee is considering the New South Wales proposal to make a world tour, but the impression 1» that the Union is unlikely to accede, owing to the short notice.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.