Firewalking Forward

The outstanding player in the last four games has been slim, modest Perumal Naidu, probably the best all-round player to come from Fiji since the war. He lays claim to one distinction that is unlikely to be equalled in New Zealand. Naidu, together with his family, has performed in the fire walking ceremony at Suva several times without any ill effects. Certainly, by the way he runs on the football field one would think that his heels were still lit up. Naldu's play at outside right has pleased the coach because he does not hold the ball longer than necessary and in the short time he has the ball he makes intelligent use of it. Endowed with uncanny bail control and speed Naidu also excels in all basic soccer skills. His speed is outstanding and perhaps the only major weakness is his tackling which is not strong because of his light build.

At right-half newcomer David Jones is fast becoming the most constructive back in the team, distributing the ball very efficiently and covering up for his team-mates smartly. His clearing and tackling are not of the same high standard. The other wing-half Peter Preston although selected as reserve for the Wellington rep. side has a great deal to learn about wing-half play but his attacking play is quite good when he remembers to keep his passes on the ground.