The 1946 Australian Team in New Zealand

Back Row: M. L. howell, P. A. Johson, C. C. Eastes, R. J. McLean, C. J. Windon, D, C, Furness, T. Allan.
2nd row: W. L. Dawson, B. G. Hamilton, E. Tweedale, Dr. P. A. Hardcastle, G. A. Gourlay, G. M. Cooke, E. Freeman, R. E. McMaster.
Sitting: k. J. Hodda, A. J. Buchan, K. S. Windon, (vise-captain) Dr. W. H. Ward (Manager), W. M. McLean (captain), Mr. H. Crow_Asst. Manager), J. F. Cremin, D. G. Schulte, J. M. Stone.
In Front: C. T. Burke, J. W. T. MacBride, D. P. Bannon, A. E. Livermore, B. J. Piper.
Photo: Crown Studios

Ten years since the last visit, an Australian team toured New Zealand during the season, With few opportunities for Rugby during the War years, and with a complete cessation of Inter-State matches, the Australians began this season under a sever handicap. A series of Trial games was staged at Sydney at the end of July, new South Wales Fifteens meeting Queensland and the Combined Southern States (Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania) and then an Australian XV met the Rest.

The side as chosen was conspicuous for the youthfulness of the backs, only Schulte and R. Rankin being over 24 years of age. The latter, who had previously visited this country in 1936, was unfortunately injured prior to the departure of the team, and was replaced by Piper. The team was led by W. M. McLean, with K. S. Windon, who had been a member of the 1936 side, as vice captain. The visitors suffered misfortune right from the start, in the matter of injuries, the captain being unable to take the field until the match at Timaru, whilst Allan, K. S. Windon and K. J. Hodda were all injured in the opening match. Allan’s next game was in the First Test, whilst Windon’s only other appearance was against the Maori XV.; Hodda was hors-de-combat for the rest of the tour. Injuries in later matches also took toll of the side to such and extent that at the end of August, two additional forwards, Furness-a hooker- and Hamilton-a break-away were across to join the party. Right from the beginning of the tour the backs functioned in an attractive manner, the snappy passing, straight running and speed of the whole division, being a feature of the team’s play. As the tour progressed the forwards improved, and learning quickly, by the end of the trip, they were a complete match for New Zealand’s best. The improvement became most noticeable following the First Test, and the Australians’ forward play in the Southland, Wellington and Second Test matches, was of first-class standard.

The outstanding back in the side was Eastes, a fine all-round winger, fast, with a vigorous and a beautiful swerve, and a fine change of pace. Well-built, this young player was strong on defence as well as being a most determined attacker. Close behind him came two other young players, Allan and MacBride. A brilliant, straight running second five eight, McBride had to be played on the wing in several matches, a mistake, as he proved in the Second Test when he revealed his real quality. Allan was a brilliant centre, very fast off the mark, ran straight and handled well. He was Australia’s best back in the First Test. Two other young backs who impressed, revealing great improvement during the tour, were Howell and Burke. A fine all-round player,at home in any back position, Howell is essentially a centre, but was outstanding on the wing against Southland, when he revealed pace and a sure pair of hands. Winning his way into the Second Test XV. By sheer merit, Burke was in good form against Southland and Wellington. A lively half-back, clever and elusive, Burke was always up with the play; was adept at opening up play from the loose, and varied his work with a quick break through and a reverse pass to his forwards. His defence was first class, and he tackled the biggest forward fearlessly. The full-back Piper, was another of the young brigade to enhance his reputation. A safe fielder, fast, a sure line-kick, excellent place kick and a sound tackler, Piper possessed a good sense of  position, and measured up to the best standard.

SOUTHLAND

Back Row; R. D Cody, S. R. Pittaway, J. R. Cameron, Mr. V. L. George(Coach), T. A. Budd, D. M. Brown, M. B. Fearn.
Third Row: Mr, J. L. Oughton (Selector), A. S. Campbell, R. Campbell, R. H. Hazlett, J. R. Stuck, J. J. Prendiville, G. H. Cameron, Mr. R. G. Webb, Coach
Second Row: Mr R. J. McEwan (Selector). H. C. Hammond, T. R. D. Webster, R. S. Grenfell, A. G. Sutherland(Captain), J. A. Mcrae (V.-C.),L. H. Ogilvie, R. W. Whyte, Mr, L. H. Clode(Selector).
Front Row: R. F. Waldron. E D. Calder, Ranfurley Shield, Donald Stuart Memorial Shield. H. D. Sandri, N. J. Bennett.

(Founded, 1887; Affilated, 1894-resigned; re-affiliated, 1895)

COLOURS; MAROON.

 

Selectors: Messrs R. J. McEwan, L. A. Clode and J. L. Oughton.

Although all the players of the previous season were stillavailable, with exception of two or three forwards, Southland did not face the resumption of the Ranfurly Shield matches with very much confidence. With the country districts having had very little football during the war years, the usual field of selection was restricted, and it says much for the selectors and the chosen players, that the results were so satisfactory. Southland developed into a real team very quickly, and with the Fifteen being kept intact throughout the season, apart from injuries, it was possible to build up a good measure of combination. In addition to those who had represented Southland in 1945, Webster, the ex-Otago and Wellington Representative, arrived after several years in the Navy; Struck likewise represented the navy, and in 1944 played for the North Island Combined Services; Chandler had made an appearance for Otago the previous year; Hazlett has represented Marlborough in 1942 and South Island Combined Services in 1944; Spittle was the Otago Rep. of 1938; and Budd a brother of the 1945 Representative, had played in Army football since 1942.

Match Record
Played, 7; Won, 7. Points: For, 104; Against, 35.

1.- August 3, v. OTAGO (Ranfurley Shield), at Rugby Park, Invercargill. Won- 3 to 0. T. R. D. Webster, penalty goal. Referee: Mr E. J. Barron (Southland)

2.- August 24, v. CANTERBURY (Ranfurley Shield), at Rugby Park , Invercargill. Won-11 to 3. E. D. Calder, try; T. R. D. Webster, 2 penalty goals and conversion. Referee: Mr E. J. Barron (Southland)

3.- August 31, v. SOUTH CANTERBURY (Ranfurley Shield), at Rugby Park, Invercargill Won-35 to 9. A. S. Chandler (4), A. G. Sutherland (2), R. H. Hazlett, N. J. Bennett and R. F. Waldron, tries; R. F. Wladron, dropped goal; T. R. D. Webster, 2 conversions. Referee: Mr R. Ferguson (Southland).

4.- September 7, v. WAIRARAPA (Ranfurley Shield), at Rugby Park, Invercargill. Won-12 to 3 R. H. Hazlett, try; T.R. D. Webster (2) and R. J. Campbell, penalty goals. Referee: Mr E. J. Barron (Southland)

5.-Spetember 18 AUSTRALIA, at Rugby Park, Invercargill. Won- 8 to 6. N. J. Bennett, try; T. R. D. Webster, penalty goal and conversion. Referee: mr L. V. Bryant (South Canterbury)

6.-September 21, v. OTAGO at Dunedin. Won-20 to 11. E. D. Calder (2) and J. J. Prendiville, tries; R. F. Waldron, dropped goal; T. R. D. Webster, penalty goal and 2 conversions.

7,-September 28, v. NORTH OTAGO (Ranfurley Shield), at Rugby Park, Invercargill. Won-15 to 3. A. G. Sutherland (2), J. J. Prendiville and R. H. Hazlett, tries; T. R. D. Webster, penalty goal. Referee: Mr J. J. North (Southland)