TO-DAY’S GAME.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1921, Page 4

TO-DAY’S GAME.

SPRINGBOKS v. TARANAKI.

BECORD CROWD EXPECTED. DETAILS OF THE PLAYERS. Though it rained yesterday and last night and the weather report promises all that is worst, to-day will break full of promise for thousands of people throughout Taranaki—promise of splendid football and a day crammed with excitement and pleasure, with an underlying hope for sunshine. This meeting of the chbsen best in the Rugby world of South Africa against the finest fifteen footballers in Taranaki has been looked forward to with a keenness which has recently developed into enthusiasm, and from all parts of the province thousands will come to New Plymouth to see the great match. Early this morning there -was a decided change for the better in. the weather.

In the wintry conditions prevailing last night football enthusiasts were eager to scent the slightest change in the weather and the wind moving round to a quarter which generally clears the air brought promise of better things. Despite the heavy rain of yesterday the ground is expected to be in good order and spectators are assured of a great contest. The Taranaki team is determined to uphold the prestige of the province against the redoubtable Springboks, and when pressed the amber and blacks never fail to rise to the occasion. There are several changes in the team compared with that which played against South Auckland, particularly in the five-eighths line, and if this pair play up to the forffi shown this season there should be nothing to be feared in this respect. Forward the team a good one and should keep the moving. The Springbok team was not available last night, as its final selection depends on the state of the weathec this morning. The Taranaki team is as follows:

Full-back: Kingston (Clifton) 11.4. Three-quarters: Hickey (Clifton) 12.4, R. Roberts (Okai. awa) Capt. 12, Sykes (Old Boys) 12.6. Five-eighths: Roberts (Okaiawa) 10.6, Coutts (Inglewood) 12. Half: Atkins (Okaiawa) 11. Wing Forward: C. McAllum (Tukapa) 12. Forwards: Fogarty (Hawera) 12.3, Spratt (Patea) 12.5, West (Hawera) 14, Masters (Stratford) 15.4, Kivell (Stratford) 12.6, Cain (Clifton) 13, Campbell (Clifton) 12. The South African team will be chosen from the following:—

Already New Plymouth is full of visitors, and last night’s mail train was crowded, though it comprised two extra carriages. To-day special trains from Hawera and Stratford and heavy motor car traffic will add to the crowd. Splendid arrangements have been made by the Railway Department to cope with the people returning home. The first train leaving at 4.35 p.m. for Hawera will stop to set down passengers for Ngaere and south thereof. The next train at 4.55 p.m. will take passengers for Stratford and the Toko branch only. Another train stopping where required will leave for Stratford at 5.15 p.m., connecting with Waitara branch, and the last train will leave at 6 p.m. for Hawera, stopping where required. I In order to relieve the congestion at 1 the gates tickets of admission to the match will be sold on the train, whilst at the ground additional reserved seating accommodation has been provided and tickets will be sold during the morning and also on the ground, as long aa the seats are available. Last night the teams were present at Everybody’s Theatre. The South Africans received their first mail last night since leaving home, and there was great rejoicing as the letters were distributed. After the match this evening the teams will dine together and thereafter the evening will be practically free. Arrangements are also being made by the local Masonic fraternity to give Wor Bro. Morris a welcome at 7.30 p.m. in the Robe Street Hall, to which ell brethren are invited. To-morrow the visitors will be motored to the mountain.

Gerald Morkel .... Age. it. in. . 33 5 Hi st. lb. 12 10 J. B. de Villiers .. . 28 5 11 13 12 A. Van Ileerden .. . 23 <1 li 13 3 Henry Morkel .... . 26 6 OJ 12 12 C. du P. Meyer .. . 23 5 « 12 7 W. C. Zeller ....... . 26 C 0 12 0 W. A. Clarkson 24 5 11 11 7 *T. Weepener .«]■>••• . 24 5 9 11 12 W Sendin . 21 5 6 9 7 S. S. Strauss ..... . 28 5 11 12 10 J P Michau . 20 5 10 12 2 J. S. de Koch ..... . 24 5 5 10 2 J Tindall . 21 5 7 10 11 W. Townsend • • • • ■ . 25 5 44 11 4 W. H Morkel ..« . 35 6 1 14 0 M. Kilis • • . 29 5 11 13 8 T. Kruger . ..•••■• . 25 5 0 14 4 J. W. Van Rooyen . 28 6 1} 15 10 J. M. Michau ..... . 30 6 4 17 0 N. du Plessis . 35 5 Hi 14 4 A. P. Walker ...... . 28 6 Di 13 8 L. B. Siedie .. . 29 5 94 11 0 F. W. Mellish ...» < 24 6 0 13 12 Royal Morkel . 25 6 3 17 2 . 32 5 11J 13 0 p .1 Mostert .... . U 8 0 13 12 H. Scholtz • . 29 5 10J 13 3 T. P. Pienaar (cap* ) 32 5 104 13 3 J. Olivier . 24 5 11 14 11 Mr. Atkinson, f Wanganui, will