BIG RUGBY MATCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 206, 31 July 1937, Page 10

BIG RUGBY MATCH

SEATS STILL AVAILABLE. MANAWATU’s"""STRONG TEAM. Though most of the seats on the main stands have been booked, there are still ample reservations available for tlie public on the temporary stands to be placed inside the oval at the Showgrounds, for the Rugby match between Manawatu and the Springboks, next Wednesday. It appears that, in anticipation of being crowded out in the rush, many people refrained from early bookings, with the result that about one thousand of the best seats, commanding a close and uninterrupted view of the match, are still open. Manawatu were by no means at full strength when they were beaten by Hawke’s Bay in a match wherein the points margin flattered the winners, and it will be a much stronger team which will take the field next Wed-nesday—-as strong a side as has represented the district for several seasons. Every player will be keyed up to maintain the traditions of the 1921 Manawhenua side, which nearly beat the Springboks, but went under by 3 points to nil. Both Le Quesne and Waugh, two of the best backs available, did not figure in the match against Hawke’s Bay, while, as the result of lessons learned in that match, the defensive power of the back-line has been greatly stiffened, inside backs being chosen who can be expected to offer the greatest resistance to the buffetings of the Springbok forwards.

The Manawatu team appears to be an impressive one, and great things are expected of it. The players are to be marshalled during the week-end and kept together for practice purposes until the day of the match. This will develop both tactical understanding and combination. Nicol, ‘-selected as a centre, is a smart attacking player who performed brilliantly against Southern Hawke’s Bay and his association with the former Hawke’s Bay captain, Le Quesne, who was chosen to represent Wellington early in the season, will make a dangerous combinationgiving thrust and penetration. Edlin, the half-back, has proved his ability to engage the biggest . forwards, and Waugh, as an exponent of the centre kick, will be very handy on the wing. Waldin’s defence in the full-back position, has been rock-like this season, and, as a club five-eighth, lie can take his part in attacking movements.

Hawke’s. Bay are reputed to have the. most, formidable pack in New Zealand, but .last, week they were outplayed frequently by the Manawatu forward in both scrums and line-outs, this causing consternation to their supporters. The throwing of wild passes led to Manawatu’s downfall, and these mistakes will not he repeated. The Manawatu front row men are identical with those who vanquished the Hawke’s Bay hookers for possession of tho ball, so that they should hold their own against the Springboks. It is the opinion of well-informed critics that the Manawatu forwards should put up a great battle against the Springboks, as they will not ho lacking in “devil” or virility. Averaging 14st. 411 b, they are far heavier than ' tho ordinary provincial side, and would closely approximate the weight of an' All' Black pack. Each one is a seasoned representative player and they will be led by the 15st. All Black, R. McKenzie. Tall and speedy as most of the forwards are, they should give a dashing display in the loose, and every indication points to a spectacular game. In fact, the Springboks, in meeting the Manawatu pack, will probably encounter the hardest forwards so far in their New Zealand tour.

Physical standards have been paid close attention in the Manawatu team, as there is no replacement of injured players, and particularly has this been the case in the selection of the five-eighths. Manawatu on Wednesday are expected to vindicate the judgment of those who declare that before 1 the season is much further advanced they will rank as one of the strongest sides in the North Island. The team is one in which speed and strength are predominant. The referee will be Dr. McK. Dickson, of Christchurch.

40-MINUTE SPELLS TO-DAY. Per Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, July 30. Forty-minute spells will he played in the match Taranaki versus the Springboks to-morrow. The ground is firm but a little rain has fallen to-night. Unless heavy rain falls, _ which does not appear likely, conditions should be ideal for the match. The Springboks wished to play 35minute spells, but Nell agreed to meet Taranaki half-way.