THE AIL BLACKS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20270, 12 August 1937, Page 6

THE AIL BLACKS

FIRST TEST TEAM SELECTION ANNOUNCED. NO BURPRISE INCLUSION. CRIOSSMAN. FIRST EMERGENCY. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. The following team has been announced to represent New Zealand against South Africa in the first Test on Saturday:— Fullback.—J. Taylor (Otago). Three-quarters.—J. Dick (Auckland), J. Sullivan (Taranaki), D. G. Cobden (Canterbury). Five-eighths.—J. A. Hooper (Canterbury), D. Trevathan (Otago)Halfback. —H. Simon (Otago). Front Row.—D. Dalton (Hawke’s Bay), A. Lambourn (Wellington). E. S. Jackson (Hawke’s Bay). Middle Row. —J. G. Rankin (Canterbury), R. R. King (West Coast), S. Reid (Hawke’s Bay), R. M. McKenzie (Manawatu). Back Row: A. A. Parkhill (Otago). Reserves: Forwards, R. H. Ward (Southland), H. Milliken (Canterbury), T. H. Pearce (Auckland). Backs, C. A. Crossman (King Country), W. J. Phillips (King Country). R. R. King has been appointed captain and H. Simon will he vice-captain.

There is no surprise in the selection and little fault will be found with the team. The only alteration that may have improved the side would have in eu Grossman in the five-eights line instead of IJooper as the latter's de- ■ ence was under suspicion last year and also in the trials- Hooper is a Dr.llJant attacker, on a fine day, and the prospects for a fast ground have been the reason for his preference. Crossman may be considered very unlucky in not making the side as he had played fine football on attack and defence in Wellington while his defence in Hamilton against the Springboks was never at fault. He is able to move up on the Springbok backs faster than either Trevathan or Hooper and this would have been an advantage. Sullivan’s selection at centre was a foregone conclusion after Mitchell’s injury and he should not disappoint. Most of the other players were practically certain after the announcement of the twenty to go into camp was made but if New Zealand is beaten on Saturday several changes can be expected for the following Tests. L. Bussell, the brilliant Waikato half, who was the most impressive attacking half-back in Wellington, will get a further chance while J. G. Wynyard must also be considered for the next Test. His excellence in line-out play would be of -great advantage considering the Springboks’ domination in this department in every match except the one in Hamilton. There Is not one previous All Black n the backs and in the forwards those who have represented New Zealand before are Jackson, Lambourn, McKenzie, Reid, King and Rankin.